Growing up, Esma HassHass had no intention of becoming a professional fighter. She simply wanted to enjoy the usual activities of a young girl. But her father had different ideas—he insisted that she learn to defend herself. While her friends played outside in the evenings, the barely teenage HassHass was in a kickboxing gym, learning how to fight.
And it wasn’t just any gym. Her father took her to the legendary Hemmers Gym, a facility that had shaped some of the greatest names in kickboxing history, including Alistair Overeem, Gökhan Saki, Ramon Dekkers, and Marat Grigorian. Surrounded by elite fighters, it didn’t take long for HassHass to develop a passion for the sport. Soon, she wanted more than just training—she wanted to compete.
She started in the amateur ranks, quickly proving her talent. As soon as she turned 18, she made the leap to professional fighting. That same year, she made history by debuting in GLORY Kickboxing, the world’s premier kickboxing organization. It was a milestone not just for her but for the sport itself—HassHass was part of the first-ever women’s fight in GLORY history.
Her opponent in that historic bout was Tiffany van Soest, a future world champion. The fight took place in Los Angeles, and though HassHass lost by decision, she had already secured her place in kickboxing history. The future looked bright for the young Moroccan fighter.
However, in 2017, tragedy struck. A severe car accident left her with significant injuries, forcing her to take much of the year off. Many would have given up, but HassHass refused to be counted out. As soon as doctors gave her the green light, she returned to training and then to the ring—because it takes more than an accident to stop Esma HassHass.
Her journey is one of resilience, discipline, and unwavering determination—qualities that reflect the proud fighting spirit of Morocco. In a country with a deep-rooted love for combat sports, HassHass has become a symbol of perseverance. Morocco stands behind her, proud of what she has achieved and what she continues to fight for.
