PFL Mena stars continue to train for new season amidst Ramadan

 With a second season of PFL Mena just around the corner, some of the best stars from the Middle East are gearing up to get back in action inside the PFL SmartCage.

For some of the league’s top stars however, training for the new season presents some challenges, as it falls during the blessed Ramadan season, which entails fasting. The act of sacrifice, of course, leads to a number of obstacles for athletes who regularly train, including reduced energy, less sleep, and disruption of training routines.

PFL Mena Featherweight Champion Abdullah Al Qahtani, PFL Mena Welterweight Champion Omar El Dafrawy, and PFL Mena Women’s Atomweight star Hattan Alsaif have all shared their experiences when training during the blessed Ramadan season.

“Yes, I do train during Ramadan. I make sure to get in a solid training session both before and after Iftar while prioritizing recovery,” Qahtani shared.

“Even while fasting, my focus remains on my next fight—I’m constantly preparing. It’s not just about technique and conditioning but also about discipline and hard work. Fight camp is all about grinding, and I’m putting in the work,” he continued.

Qahtani turned in an impressive first PFL Mena season, capturing the league’s inaugural 145-pound championship and cemented his status as Saudi Arabia’s biggest MMA star.

The 27-year old is now looking forward to Season 2 of PFL Mena and plans on keeping the PFL Mena Featherweight Championship firmly in his grasp.

I’m ready for PFL Mena season two. I know every fighter has their eyes on me, like I’m the prey—but I’m not. I’m the hunter. And I will hunt down every opponent,” ‘The Reaper’ boldly claimed. “Last season taught me one thing: never give up. Stay focused on your goal and go after it.”

While Qahtani comes into the season as the reigning titleholder, it looks like he’s got a few names in his crosshairs.

“I’m excited to fight Alhyasat again—I want to smash him,” Qahtani shared. “I also want to fight Islam Reda and Taha Bendaoud. These three guys—I want them!”

From one champion to another, PFL Mena Welterweight king Omar El Dafrawy also continues to keep himself in peak condition, even during Ramadan.

“Of course, I stay in shape during Ramadan,” Dafrawy said. “I actually have a solid routine. I usually break my fast with something light like dates, and go for my first training session, and then I have my second training session later on at night.”

Dafrawy was one of PFL MENA’s biggest surprise stories, as he pulled off a massive upset in the Welterweight Finals of season one, taking out title favorite and veteran Jarrah Al-Selawe.

Dafrawy further explained what his training sessions are like during Ramadan.

“I have my regular camp schedule, but usually the first session right after Iftar is more about technicality, while the second session is the one that’s more intense.”

“I usually have one meal after every workout session, plus I make sure to take my vitamins and supplements as well to maintain my energy output,” he continued.

Looking to build off his successful debut PFL Mena season, Dafrawy is excited to see how the second season of PFL Mena will play out.

“I’m excited for PFL Mena 2 and I hope that there can be some exciting storylines like in the first season for my weight class,” he said. “I’m interested to see what’s gonna happen because I know there will be some guys from the previous season that are top contenders to take the belt home this season.”

For Saudi Arabian women’s MMA trailblazer Hattan, a schedule is necessary when it comes to training during Ramadan.

“Yes, I train. I have a schedule for Ramadan,” she said. “It’s about the camp, not the time, so I do what needs to be done.”

2024 was a massive year for Alsaif as she made a successful PFL debut after making history as the first Saudi Arabian woman to sign with a major MMA promotion. In three appearances inside the PFL SmartCage, Hattan is 3-0 as an amateur, with all of her wins coming by second-round stoppage.

Alsaif says that she likes to cook during Ramadan so that she has control of what she gets to eat.

“I love to cook my own meals during Ramadan so that I can pick them carefully.”