PFL MENA showdown: Hattan Al-Saif vows dominance, Nour Fleyti promises a surprise

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Saudi fighter Hattan Al-Saif. (Supplied)
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Lebanese fighter Nour Fleyti. (Supplied)
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Updated 18 June 2025
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PFL MENA showdown: Hattan Al-Saif vows dominance, Nour Fleyti promises a surprise

  • Al- Hattan Al-Saif: ‘I don’t care who I’m facing — I’m ready for anyone’

The heat is rising ahead of the much-anticipated showdown in the Professional Fighters League MENA, as Saudi fighter Hattan Al-Saif and Lebanese contender Nour Fleyti exchanged fiery statements that set the stage for an electrifying bout scheduled for July 4 at the Green Halls in Riyadh.

Speaking at the official pre-fight press conference, both fighters exuded confidence and determination, making it clear this is more than just a match — it is a clash of wills.

Al-Saif said: “I don’t care who I’m facing — I’m ready for anyone.”

She dismissed any concerns about her opponent, and added that victory in combat sports is not accidental but the result of relentless dedication.

“Winning doesn’t happen by chance — it’s a result of continuous hard work and commitment,” she said. “I’m prepared for any opponent. Every fight requires a different strategy.”

When asked about criticism of Arab women in combat sports, Al-Saif responded firmly: “I don’t pay attention to outdated opinions. I’m doing what I love and chasing my goal.”

Fleyti said: “I love surprises — watch my answer inside the cage.”

She expressed her excitement to finally step into the PFL MENA cage, describing it as a long-awaited opportunity.

“I respect Hattan as a fighter,” she said, adding: “But she’ll be facing me — and I’m stronger. I will surprise everyone inside that cage.”

Fleyti promised a thrilling performance: “Expect a fun fight. I don’t find fighting difficult — I enjoy every second of it.”

A battle of pride and passion awaits as the two fighters prepare to face off.

With Al-Saif’s unwavering confidence and Fleyti’s bold promises, Riyadh is set for a showdown that transcends sport. One question remains: Who will prove to be the stronger force inside the cage?

The answer awaits on July 4.


Nigeria’s Chukwueze calls for AFCON to get same respect as World Cup

Updated 25 December 2025
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Nigeria’s Chukwueze calls for AFCON to get same respect as World Cup

  • “Everybody wants to play in AFCON. It’s one of the best competitions in the world,” Chukwueze told On Sports TV

Nigeria forward Samuel Chukwueze believes the Africa Cup of Nations should be given the same level of ​respect as the World Cup and the European Championship following controversy over the timing of the tournament in Morocco.
Initially scheduled to take place in the summer, this year’s AFCON was scheduled for December 21-January 18, depriving ‌leading European clubs ‌of key players ‌participating ⁠in ​it ‌at a crucial stage of the domestic season. “Everybody wants to play in AFCON. It’s one of the best competitions in the world,” Chukwueze told On Sports TV. “You have to respect the AFCON ⁠the same way you respect the European Championship ‌or World Cup.”
The Fulham winger ‍will miss six ‍games for his club if Nigeria ‍reach the round of 16.
“We understand they scheduled it at the wrong time of the year, but when it’s important, ​if you get recalled you have to go,” he said. “You don’t have ⁠any choice, your club can’t stop you and no one should say anything bad about the AFCON. Yes, they put it at the wrong time, but saying it’s not a good competition or a great competition is unacceptable.”
Chukwueze helped Nigeria secure an opening 2-1 win over Tanzania in Group C ‌ahead of their second game against Tunisia on Saturday.