Abdullah Al-Qahtani's Journey in the Middle East
Born in the heart of Morocco, Abdullah Al-Qahtani’s early life was marked by unexpected turns. Moving to Saudi Arabia at 15, little did he know that his journey would lead to becoming the first Saudi Arabian fighter to win inside the SmartCage at 25. Nicknamed 'The Reaper,' Al-Qahtani's story is one of resilience and determination.
His journey into Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) began at 11 when he discovered the dynamics of cage fighting. Despite being a quiet, shy kid entangled in occasional troubles during his youth, Al-Qahtani's passion for MMA grew. Rejecting a conventional job, he declared, "This is my job. I want to be a professional fighter," laying the foundation for his future.
MMA's popularity among Gen-Z, driven by entertainment and athlete appeal, has soared. Al-Qahtani, a Gen-Z fighter, highlights how MMA athletes, including himself, use social media to connect with fans, creating intimacy and relatability.
Navigating MMA in Saudi Arabia presented challenges. Auditioning for a prominent company became Al-Qahtani's turning point. Previously training alone at home, he seized the chance to join a professional setup, marking the beginning of his professional journey.
MMA's global popularity, especially in the Middle East, is evident. The Professional Fighter’s League (PFL), where Al-Qahtani signed in June 2022, has become a global MMA force. PFL aims to broaden its influence in the Middle East with the launch of a new league in 2024, attracting emerging talent.
Al-Qahtani's success signifies the evolution of MMA in Saudi Arabia. In 2023, he became the first Saudi Arabian fighter to win inside the SmartCage, contributing to increased awareness and recognition of MMA in the region.
Addressing the often-misunderstood relationship between fighters and pain, Al-Qahtani emphasizes a positive outlook. He views pain as a normal part of the human experience, with a more profound fear of losing than facing physical injuries.
MMA's physically demanding nature poses risks of life-threatening injuries. Despite this, Al-Qahtani embraces the pain, seeing it as an integral part of his journey. The real pain, he reveals, is the agony of losing, equating it to facing death.
Each MMA fight carries the potential for injuries, with Al-Qahtani acknowledging the inevitability of pain. Post-fight recovery becomes a metaphorical "drug," driving fighters to rebuild, celebrate wins, and prepare for the next challenge.
Looking forward, Al-Qahtani aspires to win the Mena belt for PFL in 2024. His disciplined approach involves unwavering commitment to training, never skipping a day, and balancing physical and mental preparation.
Expressing his love for Dubai, Al-Qahtani looks forward to exploring new opportunities in the city. His journey from a shy kid to a celebrated MMA fighter exemplifies the sport's transformative power and its ability to transcend borders, capturing the spirit of resilience and determination.
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By- Sahiba Suri
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