Alsaif is acutely aware of her status as a trailblazer for female MMA fighters in Saudi Arabia and takes such a responsibility seriously. I feel I’m alive when I train, when I fight, in the gym – I can feel my soul alive. “When I breathe after the rounds, when I feel sick, when I feel tired, when I feel courage, when I feel scared, those moments, every part of that, it makes me feel alive. It’s something that means a lot to me.”Alsaif (right) competed in Muay Thai prior to MMA. Sadaa, coach of Saudi Arabia’s Muay Thai national team, has been central to Alsaif’s success, though his influence extends far beyond a sporting sphere.

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Persons: Hattan, Saudi Arabia –, – Alsaif, “, ” Alsaif, I’m, “ It’s, Egypt’s Nada Faheem, Alsaif, ”, it’s, Abdullah Al, Feras Sadaa, Sadaa, Claressa Shields, Kelsey De Santis, ’ ” Organizations: CNN, CNN Sport, Professional Fighters League, wasn’t, Professional, League, Thailand –, Combat Games, Saudi Games, International Federation of Muaythai, Muay Thai, Al, SRJ Sports Investments Company, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund Locations: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Saudi, Thai, Thailand, East, North Africa, MENA