The fight beyond the cage: Zamzam Al Hammadi’s promise to her mother

Zamzam Al Hammadi, an 18-year-old Emirati MMA fighter and two-time IMMAF youth world champion, has a deeply personal connection to her Emirati identity and her Iraqi heritage. Her mother, Nada Al Nuaymi, was born and raised in the UAE but has Iraqi roots. Al Hammadi has always been proud of her mother's Iraqi ancestry and has a deep appreciation for Iraqi history, which she enjoys learning about and even cooking.

The connection between mother and daughter runs deep, with Al Hammadi promising to be by her mother's side in both good times and bad. Her mother, in turn, pushes her daughter to strive for greatness and serve her country, the UAE. Despite her young age, Al Hammadi has already established herself as a trailblazer in UAE MMA, becoming the first Emirati woman to sign with the Professional Fighters League and aiming to turn pro.

She aspires to become a world champion and even hopes to fight in the UFC. Al Hammadi is currently a second-year student at Zayed University, studying international relations, political economy, and development, and serves on the student council. Her mother's guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping Al Hammadi's path, both in her career as a fighter and in her commitment to her country.