ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s first female mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Anita Karim has been forced to withdraw from her scheduled fight at UAE Warriors 67 in Abu Dhabi after her UAE visa was not issued in time.

Anita was set to compete on January 31 and had been preparing for the bout for several months.The fight was to be her second within three weeks following an intense training camp and full professional preparations. However, unresolved visa issues prevented her from travelling to the United Arab Emirates.

Sharing the news on her social media account, Anita described the situation as heartbreaking. She said that despite months of disciplined preparation and a confirmed fight arrangement, administrative delays had halted her participation. She noted that such issues not only affect a single event but also disrupt an athlete’s career momentum and the opportunity to represent Pakistan at the international level.

Anita highlighted the additional physical and mental demands placed on professional athletes, particularly women, who invest months of effort recovery and focus to compete at elite levels.

Speaking to Geo News her manager Yasir Mushtaq said the event organisers had waited nearly a week for the visa process to be completed before the deadline. As a result Anita was replaced by another fighter. He added that while she is deeply disappointed, her next fight is tentatively scheduled for April.

Mushtaq urged authorities including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to take notice of visa-related hurdles to ensure Pakistani athletes can compete abroad without unnecessary obstacles.