How the PFL made history being the first MMA promotion to sign a female fighter from Saudi Arabia

The PFL has, once again, taken a history-defining step in MMA by signing Hattan Alsaif, a newcomer in the sport, and Saudi Arabia's first-ever female fighter. At just 22 years old, she made her amateur MMA debut at PFL MENA 1: Riyadh just 20 days ago on May 10, when she faced the 1-0 Nada Faheem at atomweight.

Despite the massive expectations of fighting in her hometown as the sport's first Saudi female fighter, Alsaif delivered in stunning fashion, head-kicking Faheem for a second-round knockout. Now, with an amateur win in her back pocket, Alsaif is aiming higher, to make it in the world of professional fighting.

Check out Hattan Alsaif's knockout over Nada Faheem:

Her training began in 2021, she started boxing but was humbled in her first attempt at an amateur championship. However, her fortunes have changed, and she is now coached by Feras Sadaa, under whom she trains alongside her Saudi MMA hero, Abdullah Al-Qahtani.

As a 22-year-old with an amateur 1-0 record, Alsaif has a long road ahead of her, but she marks one of several daring decisions the promotion has made in its expansion in the combat sports world. Perhaps its most well-known move was signing former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.

The contract that the Cameroonian knockout artist signed was historic. First, it allows him the freedom to pursue boxing matches, which he has in his two losses to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

Moreover, his contract includes a position on the organization's global advisory board and a $2 million guaranteed purse for his foes. Most significantly, his contract renders him an equity owner and chairman of the promotion's upcoming African league.

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The PFL has formalized its partnership with Saudi Arabia

Last year, the PFL made headlines after it was revealed that it had signed a deal with Saudi investment group SRJ Sports Investment, which acquired a minority equity ownership stake in the promotion to become an investor in a regional MMA league called PFL MENA.

The regional league's first event was held on May 10, 2024, which is when Hattan Alsaif made her thunderous promotional debut, knocking out Nada Faheem in round two.