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Anita Karim misses the UAE Warriors 67
Anita Karim visa rejection has forced Pakistan’s first female mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter to miss her scheduled bout at UAE Warriors 67 in Abu Dhabi, dealing a significant blow to her competitive momentum and international exposure.
Karim was set to fight on January 31 in Abu Dhabi and had been preparing for the contest for several months. The bout was fully organised, and it was expected to be her second professional appearance within a span of just three weeks.
Months of Training Cut Short
Despite completing an intense training camp and meeting all competitive requirements, Karim was unable to travel after her UAE visa was not issued in time. The unresolved visa matter ultimately resulted in her withdrawal from the event at the last moment.
The athlete described the development as a deeply disappointing setback, particularly given the physical and mental investment required at the professional level.
Athlete Speaks Out on Visa Issues
In a statement shared on her X account, Karim expressed her frustration over the situation.
“I was scheduled to fight on 31st January at UAE Warriors 67 in Abu Dhabi. Despite months of preparation and a fully organised bout, I am currently unable to participate due to visa issues,” she said.
Karim stressed that administrative delays at such critical stages extend beyond a single event. She noted that they directly affect an athlete’s career trajectory, momentum, and the opportunity to represent Pakistan on an international platform.
“For professional athletes, especially female athletes, preparation involves months of disciplined work, physical sacrifice, and mental focus,” she added.
Management Confirms Replacement
Speaking to Geo News, Karim’s manager Yasir Mushtaq confirmed that the event organisers had set a clear deadline for the visa process and waited for nearly a week. However, the visa was not issued within the required timeframe.
As a result, the promotion replaced Karim with another fighter for the January 31 bout. Mushtaq acknowledged that the fighter was deeply disappointed but revealed that her next fight is currently scheduled for April.
Call for Government Intervention
Mushtaq urged authorities to take notice of the issue, calling on Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to intervene and help resolve visa-related challenges faced by Pakistani athletes competing abroad.
He emphasized that consistent administrative hurdles risk stalling the international careers of emerging athletes, particularly women, and undermine Pakistan’s representation in global combat sports.
Anita Karim remains a trailblazer for women’s MMA in Pakistan, and supporters hope improved institutional support will allow her career to continue progressing on the international stage.
