* The two fighters, Hattan Al-Saif and Heidi Ahmed, face to face in a historic fight in the professional league

Ammon – Saudi champion Hattan Al-Saif is preparing to fight her first professional fight in the finals of the Professional Fighters League for the Middle East and North Africa region, which is scheduled to be held next December 5 in the city of Al-Khobar.

In this upcoming fight, Al-Saif will face Egyptian fighter Heidi Ahmed, in a confrontation that carries a special character as it is her first official appearance at the professional level after a successful career in amateur competitions.

Hattan confirmed during a joint press conference with Heidi via Zoom technology that the decision to transition to professionalism came after study and coordination with her coach and her team, noting that she is physically and mentally ready, as she went through a training camp in Thailand, where she focused on developing her technical and mental capabilities, which gave her a strong impetus to prepare for the upcoming fight.

Hattan said: “Whether I am in a small or large tournament, amateur or professional, I always strive to be at the best level to represent my country in the best way. Fear exists in all people, but it is a motivation to continue and develop. I am brave and able to face my fear, and this is what always makes me move toward the better.”

Regarding facing her Egyptian opponent, Hattan stressed her respect for all fighters, considering that everyone who enters the ring is a champion in his field, but at the same time she stressed that she has studied her opponent’s style well and is preparing for her with all seriousness.

She also expressed her happiness at fighting the fight in front of her fans in Saudi Arabia, saying: “The Saudi fans always stand with me and support me, and this is not strange for the people of the country.”

For her part, Heidi explained that she began her career in boxing for two years before moving to mixed martial arts, where she fought several fights in South Africa and Europe, and her professional record stands at 3 wins against one loss.

Heidi said: “I know that Hattan Al-Saif is the world champion in Muay Thai and the first Saudi woman to achieve this achievement. Her previous four fights were special, and I am preparing for them well with a clear plan.”

She indicated that she conducted a training camp in Egypt with her team, explaining that the difficulties she faces are related to travel and high costs, but she believes that the local environment and her team provide her with strong interaction with distinguished players.

Regarding her fighting style, she said: “I can play standing or on the ground, whether in striking or jiu-jitsu, and I am ready for all possibilities inside the cage,” stressing her great respect for her Saudi rival, and that sports bring people together, not divide them, and the best is the one who will win inside the cage.

The Egyptian fighter stressed that continuity is her most important principle in training, and that she will continue her journey regardless of the outcome of the fight, adding: “I am very excited about this confrontation, which constitutes a turning point in my sporting career, and I hope that the fight will be strong and enjoyable for the audience.”