On Tuesday, Jan. 30, the Professional Fighters League announced the signing of Hattan Alsaif, the first Saudi Arabian female mixed martial artist to link with a major promotion.
She released a brief statement through the PFL’s official X account.
“Receiving a contract from the PFL is a dream come true,” said Alsaif. “As the first Saudi woman signed to a global MMA contract I do not take the responsibility lightly, and I am committed to representing my country. I hope to pave the way for aspiring female fighters. I am thankful to God and the PFL for this incredible opportunity.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Hattan Alsaif, a truly groundbreaking athlete to the PFL,” said Ray Sefo, President of Fighter Operations of PFL. “In collaboration with our partner, SRJ Sports, PFL is dedicated to discovering exceptional fighters like Alsaif and championing the cause of women in MMA in the region. Our goal is to provide them with a global platform to showcase their skill sets.”
As the combat sports imprint in the Middle East–more specifically in Saudi Arabia, continues to grow more profound–the PFL has had some association with many of the events that have pushed boxing and MMA in the region. PFL heavyweight Francis Ngannou took on Tyson Fury in Riyadh in 2023.
The PFL vs. Bellator Champions event is headed for Saudi Arabia in February. The PFL also established PFL MENA (Middle East North Africa) heading into 2024. The signing of Alsaif and other serious looks into the talent pool in Saudi Arabia are in step with the milestones above.
Striking will be Alsaif’s bread and butter early in her career. Her combat sports background is mainly in Muay Thai, where she won a Gold Medal at the Saudi and World Combat Games. Alsaif has also won the Breakthrough Female Athlete award from the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations.
She is currently training with male MMA fighter Abdullah Al-Qahtani.
The PFL hasn’t revealed the division Alsaif will compete in, but it seems likely she’ll be in at featherweight, considering it’s the only women’s weight class the promotion has established.
Alsaif is expected to compete within PFL MENA and have a chance to join the PFL Global Championship series.