RIYADH: Hattan Alsaif is set to make her professional MMA debut on Dec. 5 at the PFL MENA Finals in Alkhobar when she takes on Egyptian fighter Haidy Ahmed.

Alsaif, 23, is the first Saudi Arabian woman to sign with a major global MMA promotion.

While she is a seasoned amateur, racking up highlight-reel victories, she felt it was time to make the move. “The decision to turn professional wasn’t spontaneous,” Alsaif explained.

“My coach and I studied it carefully. After years of competing as an amateur, I felt it was the right time to take the next step. I’m physically stronger, mentally sharper, and fully ready for the professional stage.”

Her path has been challenging. Alsaif was orphaned at 10 after both her parents died within 10 months of each other. She spent years struggling with severe depression, even attempting suicide as a teenager.

She initially tried cooking, painting, and dancing. The turning point came when she came across the Instagram account of Saudi Arabia MMA fighter Abdullah Al-Qahtani, which led her to the gym.

She started with boxing in 2021 and transitioned to Muay Thai under coach Firas Saadi.

Training in Riyadh meant sparring almost exclusively with men. As one of the few women at her gym and the only one pursuing professional competition, she had little choice.

This became an advantage. Fighting against heavier, stronger opponents daily meant that when competing with other women, their striking felt manageable by comparison.

Over the past three years, Alsaif spent extended periods training in Thailand. “My training camp in Thailand pushed my limits and helped me develop both my skills and mindset. It gave me a strong boost ahead of this fight.”

In 2023, she won gold at the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations World Championships in the under-45-kg category and was named Breakthrough Female Athlete. She followed that with gold at the World Combat Games and the Saudi Games.

In January 2024, the PFL signed Alsaif to a multi-fight contract, making her the first female from Saudi Arabia to join a global MMA promotion.

Debuting in May 2024 at atomweight (48 kg), she knocked out Egypt’s Nada Faheem in just 41 seconds, a Guinness World Record for the fastest finish in PFL MENA history.

She added three more wins over the following months, including second-round technical knockouts against Eman Baraka and Lilia Osmani. In July 2025, she stopped Lebanon’s Nour Al-Fliti in the second round with another TKO. Her amateur record stands at 4-0.

“Going pro is a natural evolution in my career. I wanted to challenge myself at a higher level, and I trust the team around me to guide me through this new chapter,” she said.

Her team, led by Saadi and senior fighter Al-Qahtani, has tailored preparation for the professional level. The differences matter: five-minute rounds instead of three, modified judging criteria, and opponents with deeper professional experience than most amateur competitors.

“We discussed this transition as a team,” she continued. “Once everything aligned — my preparation, my mindset, and my development — we knew it was time to make my professional debut.”

Her opponent, Ahmed, fights out of Cairo and holds an impressive professional record in the EFC and Evolution Championship. She has finished opponents by knockout.

“Stepping into the cage isn’t new to me — I’ve studied my opponent carefully and I’m preparing with full seriousness for this fight,” she said.

“Facing Haidy Ahmed is a challenge I take seriously. I’ve analyzed her style and I’m confident in my preparation … I respect every fighter who steps into the cage — everyone is a champion in their own way.”

She added: “Fighting in front of my home crowd in Saudi Arabia gives me extra motivation — their support always lifts me.”

“Whether it’s a small amateur bout or a major professional event, I always aim to present the best version of myself and represent my country with pride.”

She added: “Representing my country at this level is an honor. I want to make every Saudi proud on fight night.”​

​She is handling the pressure of her professional debut with positivity. “Fear exists in every human being, but for me it’s a motivation to grow. I face it with courage, and that’s what keeps me moving forward.”

The fight will air on Starzplay for free across the Middle East North Africa region.