Al-Qahtani and Al-Saif ready to battle in PFL MENA’s second season

Defending champion Abdullah Al-Qahtani (R) and record-breaking fighter Hattan Al-Saif (L) are among those preparing to showcase their skills on the premier stage. (Supplied/PFL)
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Updated 10 March 2025
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Al-Qahtani and Al-Saif ready to battle in PFL MENA’s second season

  • With training for the season coinciding with Ramadan, fighters are adjusting their regimens

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s mixed martial arts scene is gearing up for an electrifying second season of the Professional Fighters League MENA with top regional fighters intensifying their training ahead of the highly anticipated competition in April.

Defending champion Abdullah Al-Qahtani and record-breaking fighter Hattan Al-Saif are among those preparing to showcase their skills on the premier stage, fine-tuning their conditioning, strategy and discipline as they aim for championship success.

With training for the season coinciding with Ramadan, fighters are adjusting their regimens to maintain peak performance levels while fasting.

Al-Saif highlighted the importance of structure and discipline during this period, emphasizing the need for mental clarity and a strict diet. She personally prepares her own meals during the holy month to ensure she meets the demands of a high-performance athlete.

Al-Qahtani, who captured the title in the league’s inaugural season, remains unfazed by the challenge of training while fasting. His routine remains largely unchanged, with iftar serving as his primary meal before he shifts focus to training. The Saudi fighter is confident in his ability to retain his title.

“All the fighters are watching me, but I’m prepared for every opponent and ready to compete with full strength inside the cage,” he said.

The reigning champion is also looking forward to tough matchups in the upcoming season, expressing a desire to test himself against elite fighters such as Abdulrahman Al-Hayassat, Islam Reda and Taha Bendaoud.

His determination to remain at the top of the division signals another thrilling season of MMA action for PFL MENA fans.


Talwar leads on opening day of 2025 Saudi Open

Updated 11 sec ago
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Talwar leads on opening day of 2025 Saudi Open

  • The 26-year-old from Delhi set a new course record of 8-under 64 at Dirab Golf & Country Club

RIYADH: India’s Saptak Talwar opened the first day of the 2025 Saudi Open, sanctioned by the Asian Tour, with a new course record of 64 (8-under) after finishing his round with a birdie on the final hole in fading light at the Dirab Golf & Country Club.

The 26-year-old from Delhi, who has competed in only a handful of Asian Tour events since turning professional in 2021, delivered a flawless round that included four birdies on each nine, placing him at the top of the leaderboard.

In second place are American John Catlin, the defending champion and reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, and Australia’s Jack Thompson, both carding 65.

Meanwhile, rising Moroccan talent Adam Bresnu stole the spotlight as the leading Arab player on the opening day, after a strong performance that placed him firmly in contention.

Despite still being an amateur, Bresnu exemplified the Arab Golf Federation’s vision of creating clear pathways for regional talent to reach the highest levels of the professional game.

Through its partnership with the Arab Golf Federation, Golf Saudi is expanding high-level opportunities for amateur and professional Arab players.

Bresnu said: “The conditions were really good. What I liked most about the course was how firm the greens and fairways were. The greens are excellent, and I’m really happy to be here.”

“I’ll keep the same mindset. Patience is the main goal,” he added. “It’s a four-round tournament, day by day, shot by shot. My goal is simply to enjoy playing.”

Saudi Arabia players are still in contention as they progress into day two.

Shergo Al-Kurdi said: “Representing the Kingdom is amazing, the crowd support is definitely a big one. In general just being in Saudi, I always enjoy my time here and just want to perform the best I can. It’s a good place to have a nice week.”

He added: “The amount of support Saudi gives to their players is absolutely fantastic and it’s what golfers need to get into a higher level of golf. It is what is needed and they are prepared to do it. It’s very good what they’re doing.”