Conor McGregor and Jon Jones inspired Hattan Alsaif; the record-breaking first female MMA fighter from Saudi Arabia
Today at 08:04 PM
Hattan Alsaif has big shoes to fill in her plot for MMA stardom after a blistering start to her amateur career.
The Saudi Arabian starlet has kicked off her career in the PFL with two stoppage victories, after making the transition from a world championship career in Muay Thai. And she wants to emulate some of the brightest stars in the game as she pursues gold in the cage.
Alsaif has already established herself as a major name in her native Saudi Arabia, gracing the covers of magazines and earning over 102,000 social media followers. And her star will grow further as she opens the show at Friday night’s PFL Championship event.
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Hattan Alsaif was inspired for MMA journey by UFC legends
Ahead of her third outing under the PFL banner, Hattan Alsaif told Bloody Elbow how she was inspired to make the move into MMA by watching a number of legends compete. She likens herself to Conor McGregor, and is also a big fan of Jon Jones.
“Not getting to fight on the last event made me really hungry for what is next and I’m really excited for this event,” she explained. “I am feeling sharp, feeling wild and aggressive, everything is good Inshallah.
“This is my first year in MMA and I’m glad for beginning in the sport because my transfer from Muay Thai was really something. But I was really proud and happy to do this.
“Conor McGregor is my favorite fighter, but I have more than only one favorite fighter in MMA. I have a couple of fighters that are my favorite because I enjoy striking and I can see that Conor McGregor striking is the best.
“Also Abdullah Al-Qahtani is the best, and Jon Jones, you saw the last fight his back kick against Stipe Miocic? Amazing. So I do love a couple of fighters.”
Hattan Alsaif motivated to grow MMA in Saudi Arabia with star-making fights
In her brief career thus far, Alsaif has already broken records with her wins. Her debut back in February saw her earn the quickest win in PFL MENA history with 41 seconds, which landed her with a Guinness World Record.
And she is keen to help growing MMA in the region, where boxing has become a stronghold alongside soccer in recent years. “What motivates me to perform at a level worthy of the occasion is competing on home soil and in front of my Saudi fans,” she said during a promotional video.
“Who will come from all over the Kingdom to cheer for me as the first Saudi woman to participate in a global event within the PFL season. The Saudi audience is undoubtedly my source of strength, whether I'm competing inside or outside the Kingdom.
“I've competed in world championships abroad – I'm the Muay Thai world champion in Bangkok and the Arab champion in Abu Dhabi, UAE. I'm very proud and happy with the immense support from the Kingdom's leadership and people.
“This gives me a sense of strength and responsibility to deliver my best and make my audience proud. The records I've achieved previously, including entering the Guinness World Records for the fastest knockout serve as additional motivation to deliver the performance that the audience expects and hopes for in this historic and extraordinary moment.
“Engaging in combat sports will contribute to spreading this discipline in the Kingdom. Many women reach out to me, expressing their admiration for the skills and high levels I've showcased. They aspire to follow in my footsteps and pursue this combat sport.”
