Latest news with #NourAlFliti
Arab News
a day ago
- Sport
- Arab News
‘I'm ready for any opponent': Hattan Alsaif eyes another victory at PFL MENA 2 in Riyadh
RIYADH: In a male-dominated sport, Saudi Arabian star Hattan Alsaif is continuing to make her mark and also providing a blueprint for aspiring female mixed martial arts fighters looking for global recognition. Already a decorated combat sports athlete before transitioning to MMA, Alsaif made history last year by becoming the first Saudi Arabian woman to sign with a major promotion when she joined the PFL. Since then, she has been nothing short of impressive inside the PFL SmartCage, racking up three straight wins in the amateur ranks. Beyond these accomplishments, however, Alsaif is making an impact simply by walking to the cage. Being a Middle Eastern woman making a name for herself in MMA, Alsaif is seen by many as an inspiring role model. The success that Alsaif has achieved so far is thanks to her self-belief, and ability to block out the critics and doubters. 'I don't pay attention to those who say this sport isn't for women,' Alsaif said. 'I do what I love and pursue what I believe in, regardless of social expectations.' Armed with that confidence, Alsaif returns to action at PFL MENA 2 on July 4 in her hometown of Riyadh. She will be looking for a fourth straight win when she takes on Lebanese champion Nour Al-Fliti in a showcase amateur women's atomweight bout. Around eight months removed from her last fight back in November, Alsaif says that she is more than ready. 'I'm fully prepared for this fight,' she said. 'The key to victory is consistency and dedication.' Al-Fliti could be considered Alsaif's toughest test to date. The undefeated up-and-comer is a multiple Lebanese MMA champion and an IMMAF Asian Championships silver medalist. While the accolades may be impressive, Alsaif maintains that she is ready to take on all comers, regardless of background and accomplishments. 'I'm ready for any opponent. It doesn't matter who I face,' she said. 'Each one requires a different kind of preparation.' 'The real challenge in combat sports isn't a single moment — it's the entire fight. It demands constant mental focus and physical strength from start to finish.' Alsaif is not just fighting for another win at PFL MENA 2 but to solidify her place as a trailblazer for women in Middle Eastern MMA. 'This is a new beginning, not just another number in the record,' she said. PFL MENA 2 takes place on Friday, July 4, at the Green Halls in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Tickets can be purchased at
Arab News
7 days ago
- Sport
- Arab News
Nour Al-Fliti looking to hand Hattan Alsaif first MMA loss
RIYADH: One of Saudi Arabia's biggest mixed martial arts stars, Hattan Alsaif, will make her highly anticipated return to the Professional Fighters League SmartCage at PFL MENA 2 in Riyadh on July 4. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport And while all eyes will be on the hometown hero, who is aiming for her third straight amateur MMA win, a rising star from Lebanon is preparing to step into enemy territory and hoping to steal the spotlight. Standing across from Alsaif will be Nour Al-Fliti, a multiple Lebanese MMA champion and International Mixed Martial Arts Federation Asian Championship silver medalist who currently holds a 1-1 amateur record. Before MMA, however, Al-Fliti lived a completely different life. 'Before MMA, I worked in the hospitality field as an operations manager,' she revealed. 'I studied that field and I worked in it since 2019. I enjoyed it, but I felt that something was missing. If I hadn't found MMA, I think I'd still be searching for that something to ignite the fire in me.' With MMA, Al-Fliti discovered the outlet she had been searching for. Judging by her growing list of accomplishments, it has been a successful transition. 'I got into MMA because I felt a powerful energy inside me — it was something I needed to express,' Al-Fliti said. 'I've always had a fighter's spirit, but I didn't know where it belonged until I stepped into the cage.' MMA provided more than just competition, she added: 'From my very first fight, I felt a deep connection. It wasn't just about competition … it was about purpose. That moment made me realize this is where I'm meant to be.' Al-Fliti believes her greatest achievement in MMA goes beyond medals and accolades — it is the personal transformation she has undergone. 'My biggest achievement so far is finding myself through this sport,' she explained. 'Every fight, every camp, every challenge has shaped me, not just as a fighter, but as a person. Of course, winning and improving technically are important, but the real win is the growth I've experienced mentally and spiritually.' While she acknowledges the support of her team and loved ones, Al-Fliti is clear about where her ultimate source of strength lies. 'My biggest supporter is Allah first,' she exclaimed. 'I truly believe that my path is written, and I draw strength from that. 'And I'm also deeply grateful to my family and my team — the people who believe in me, push me, and never let me forget who I am, even during the toughest moments.' On paper, it may seem like Al-Fliti has the odds stacked against her. Alsaif has more experience and will be fighting in front of a home crowd. Al-Fliti, however, doesn't see it that way. 'Hattan is a determined fighter with her own style, and I respect anyone who steps into the cage, but I never see myself as the underdog,' she said. 'I trust in my preparation, in my skills and, most importantly, in my belief in myself and in Allah. I've prepared with focus, discipline and a clear mindset.' On July 4, Al-Fliti does not plan to simply walk into the SmartCage — she will make her presence felt: 'I'm not just showing up — I'm coming to make a statement, inshallah.' Tickets for PFL MENA 2 can be purchased at
Al Arabiya
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Al Arabiya
Saudi Arabia's first female MMA fighter returns to Riyadh for PFL MENA 2
Saudi Arabia's first female Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Hattan al-Saif will return to Riyadh for season 2 of PFL MENA. The Professional Fighters League (PFL) returns to the Middle East on Friday, July 4 with the top talent from across the region. For more news on sports in Saudi Arabia, visit our dedicated page. Local favorite al-Saif will to the SmartCage to face Nour al-Fliti, a three-time Lebanese MMA champion and IMMAF Asian Championship silver medalist. In the main event, 2024 PFL MENA Welterweight Champion Omar el-Dafrawy will return to the Kingdom, where he captured his 2024 title. With his toughest test to date ahead of him, el-Dafrawy will step back into the SmartCage to face 2024 PFL Europe Welterweight finalist Daniele Miceli in a high-profile showcase bout. The co-main event features a pivotal Welterweight tournament clash between Kuwait's Mohammad al-Aqraa and Palestine's Omar Hussein. Al-Aqraa, a 2024 PFL MENA finalist and the current division leader, is seeking redemption after suffering the first loss of his professional career in last year's finals. Hussein, a former PFL Europe standout, is aiming to hand his Kuwaiti opponent a second defeat and make a strong statement on the Middle Eastern MMA scene. In a highly anticipated Bantamweight Quarterfinal bout, Algeria's Moktar Benkaci will face Lebanon's Marcel Adur. Both fighters are known for their explosive striking and finishing power, making this matchup a strong contender for the most thrilling bout of the night. Rounding out the card, Abdulaziz Bin Moammar will also represent Saudi Arabia in an Amateur Lightweight Showcase bout against Egypt's Hassan Ahmed. PFL MENA is a regional league launched by the PFL in partnership with SURJ Sports Investment. Headquartered in Saudi Arabia, PFL MENA features the top MMA fighters from the Middle East and North Africa, competing in the PFL's distinctive 'win and advance' season format. All events are staged live in the region and produced to world-class standards.
