Najihin can’t wait for big-stage debut against India’s Puja

PETALING JAYA: Sweet-faced Hayatun Najihin Radzuan (pic) certainly looks the part of a veterinary nurse.

But one should not be deceived by her appearance or profession.

She’s a ferocious Malaysian Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter and also one of the brightest prospects in the region.

So, expect fireworks when she makes her debut against India’s wushu champion Puja Tomar in a women’s atom weight clash in the ONE: Visions of Victory at the Axiata Arena on March 9.

Najihin, fondly called Jihin, had been training since she was 16-years-old.

She became an amateur MMA champion at 18 and was signed up by Asia’s largest MMA organisation, ONE Championship last August.

The 20-year-old picked up her first professional win following a technical knockout via punches over Indonesia’s Masrina Hamka in a catchweight bout at the Ultimate Beatdown 23 – Legends Never Die in Johor Baru last July.

And now she’s ready for the big stage and will set aside her loving, kind and compassionate nature when she enters the cage.

“It’ll be just another day in the office for me. I’m super excited,” said Najihin, nicknamed the Shadow Cat.

“But all this excitement must be contained because I don’t want it to cloud my judgement.

“I’m proud to showcase my skills in one of the world’s biggest stages.

“At the clinic, I handle the animals, clean the wounds and assists in surgeries. The work can be challenging but I’m just glad to help the animals get better.”

Najihin said she picked up MMA “to inspire more women to stand up for themselves and inspire more children to live a disciplined life in order to achieve what they desire”.

Despite being a MMA fighter, she doesn’t watch many bouts or idolises any MMA stars but she cites her coach Melvin Yeoh as a source of inspiration.

“My family is proud of me but my mum does not watch me fight in the cage because it’s too scary for her,” said the Johorean.

Najihin said her aggression, tenacity and skills were her main strengths and she’s been working hard in the gym to face Puja.

“I’ve done a lot of strength training. My opponent is good in wushu and kickboxing. I’ll be ready,” she said.