When it comes to shattering glass ceilings, Saudi women can show you a thing or two.
Hattan Alsaif has made history as the first Saudi woman to sign a global MMA promotion. Spearheading into this male-dominated field, Hattan’s determination and strength is one that inspires the crowds.
This 22-year-old had a vision and a will and showed the world how just the two can go a long way. At the 2023 International Federation of Muay Thai Associations World Championships, Hattan made her mark by winning a gold medal and now this Saudi star is moving on to bigger and better things. She recently signed an exclusive, multi-fight contract with PFL (Professional Fighters League) and has forever claimed a spot of being a pioneer in the field.
Despite being awarded the ‘Breakthrough Female Athlete’ at the Muay Thai championships, this Saudi trailblazer continued to rightfully claim her spot by taking first place in the World Combat Games and the Saudi Games, proving that there will be no end to her skyrocketing success. Hattan’s journey has proved to be anything but easy, making her story all the more inspiring as it tugs at your heartstrings.
At a very young age, Hattan experienced the untimely death of both her parents, leaving her to seek refuge with her maternal grandmother. Feeling a sense of estrangement after being orphaned, the young teen turned to chaotic means of releasing her anger, often engaging in fights and disruptive behaviour in class. Fueled with the sense of not belonging the troubled teen had no outlet to relieve her grief, which led to her diving into a depressive state, where she felt as though nothing helped.
In a previous interview with the Khaleej Times, Hattan admitted her innermost battles, “In the pages of my book, I described my father’s death as the loss of a protective shield…I tried everything, from cooking to painting to dancing—every conceivable hobby—but nothing helped me.”
It wasn’t until she stumbled upon the Instagram account of Saudi MMA fighter, Abdullah Al Qahtani, that she was able to revisit her passion for the MMA sport. She recalled the exhilarating environment of the gym from the moment she stepped in, it felt otherworldly to her and disconnected her from her struggles which led to her realising that this was the sport for her, becoming her recluse from the grief.
Hattan’s determination knows no bounds, only after five days of training in Muay Thai, the fighter went on to compete in a national tournament for women’s boxing in Riyadh. Despite being beaten in the second round, she picked herself up, dusted herself off and came back to do it all over again earning her her badge of honour in the sport, all whilst being a university graduate.
It is a moment for all to rejoice and revel in Hattan’s incredible feats of making history not just for herself but for her nation as well. Thrilled about her achievements, she commented, “Receiving a contract from the PFL is a dream come true. 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.”
Hattan is a fighter in its true essence, unwilling to back down in the face of adversity, she has fought her way to make her mark and prove herself despite what naysayers might believe.
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