Written by: Rahma Hany - Rahma Hesham -Mathew Morcos
Coming from a simple background, facing rejection, injuries, and a society that doesn’t always accept women fighters…
Yet she chose to fight inside and outside the cage.
This is the story of Dina Othman.
She wasn’t supposed to be here.
Q: Can you introduce yourself?
A: My name is Dina Othman. I’m 27 years old, an MMA fighter, and a law student in my final year at Ain Shams University.
Q: Tell us about your background.
A: I come from a simple background. I grew up in a crowded family of around 10 members in a popular neighborhood. Nothing was easy, and I had to fight for everything I wanted.
Q: How did you start your journey in MMA?
A: I started training around seven years ago, when I was 20. At the time, I felt like I was older than most beginners. I began with boxing, then moved to kickboxing to use my legs, then sanda… but I realized something was missing. When the fight goes to the ground, you need more. That’s when I chose MMA.
Q: What made you choose MMA specifically?
A: MMA is complete. It prepares you for real situations. It’s not just a sport… it’s a lifestyle.
Q: How has fighting changed you as a person?
A: Before training, I couldn’t control my anger. I used to get into fights easily—my hands spoke before my words. But MMA changed me. It gave me discipline and control.
Q: What are your biggest achievements so far?
A: I’ve competed in around 8 championships—5 amateur and 3 professional. One of my biggest wins was against an Italian champion. I finished the fight with a guillotine submission, and that was my fifth win in a row.
Q: Why do they call you "the Black Cat”?
A: I chose that name. In our culture, a black cat is seen as something unwanted or a bad sign. I relate to that. I’ve always felt different… like I don’t fit in. But I turned that into strength.
Q: What challenges have you faced?
A: A lot. Family rejection, social pressure, injuries… I had a serious back injury that kept me at home for a year. I also broke my nose during training once. And being a female fighter in Egypt isn’t easy—some places don’t even accept girls.
Q: What is your daily routine like?
A: It’s tough. I train, work, and prepare my meals for about 10 hours a day. Sometimes it feels repetitive and exhausting… like your whole life revolves around the sport.
Q: Do you train with women or men?
A: Mostly with men. It’s more challenging physically and mentally, but it makes me stronger.
Q: Have you ever faced pressure or disrespect from opponents?
A: Yes. Some opponents tried to mentally break me, especially because I’m a woman from the Middle East. But I always answer inside the cage.
Q: How do you see MMA?
A: MMA is life. Life hits harder than any fight. You just have to keep going.
Q: What are your goals?
A: Fighting is not my final goal. I want to make a bigger impact. I want to help change laws and support women in my society.
Q: What message do you want to give to other girls?
A: Don’t try to please anyone. Follow your path. But be ready—this sport takes everything from you. Your time, your energy… your whole life.
Q: How hard are you on yourself as a fighter?
A: Very hard. Even when I win, I criticize myself. Once, I won a fight in two rounds, but I blamed myself for a whole year because I felt I could’ve finished it faster.
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