Yahya's UFC Abu Dhabi Redemption

Competing in sports is challenging, but doing so in front of a home crowd while bearing the expectations of an entire nation adds unimaginable pressure. 

This was the scenario for Mohammad Yahya, the first Emirati MMA fighter to compete in the UFC.

Despite his success in various organizations, Yahya fell short in his UFC debut last year in Abu Dhabi.

He acknowledges that the pressure might have affected his performance in that close fight.

Now, in less than two weeks, the UAE Warrior aims for redemption at UFC Fight Night:

Sandhagen vs Nurmagomedov on August 3, 2024, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

We caught up with Yahya at the UFC GYM in Dubai Marina, where he shared insights into the pain and glory of being a professional fighter in the world’s premier MMA organization.

Handling the Pressure of the UFC Debut

What was going through your mind during your UFC debut? Was it noticeably different from your previous fights in other organizations?

Mohammad Yahya: I definitely felt the pressure as I walked out to the cage. I didn’t expect to, but it was overwhelming.

I thought it would be just like any other fight, but fighting in the UFC, no matter how focused you are, is a whole different experience.

This has been my dream since I was 14, and losing—even in a close decision—haunts me. I wanted to get back in there as soon as possible.

Facing a Hard-Hitting Opponent

Your opponent, Trevor Peek, was known for his hard hits, yet you took his strongest shots. Were you surprised by how well you managed that?

Mohammad Yahya: I knew he was a wild, hard hitter who often knocks people out in the first round.

It was challenging, but I couldn’t afford to be reckless. It was a good fight, though I wish I had allowed myself to be more aggressive.

Preparing for a Specialist Opponent

Your next opponent, Kaue Fernandes, is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist, which aligns with your preferred combat style. How does that feel?

Mohammad Yahya: He will try to take me down, but my gym is filled with Dagestani wrestlers, some of the toughest around.

If they struggle to take me down, I don’t think he will be able to. And if he does, he’ll be in for a surprise.

Adjustments in Training

Has your training changed since your last fight?

Mohammad Yahya: Not really. I’ve just intensified it. I was supposed to fight earlier this year but had to pull out due to a staph infection. The extra waiting and training have made me more dangerous.

Highlights of the Year

What’s been your biggest jaw-dropping UFC moment of the year?

Mohammad Yahya: Alex Perreira knocking out Jiří Procházka at UFC 300. Since Perreira joined the UFC, he’s been my favorite fighter to watch. I followed his kickboxing career because I started in professional kickboxing too.

His left hook is lethal, and he’s the most entertaining fighter in the UFC right now.

Thoughts on the First UFC Event in Saudi Arabia

How did you find the first-ever UFC event held in Saudi Arabia last month?

Mohammad Yahya: It was great to watch, although I was disappointed that my training partner, Khamzat Chimaev, had to pull out due to illness.

He’s a beast and will bounce back. His dedication and drive during his camp in Dubai last year were truly inspiring.

Looking Ahead to the Fight in Abu Dhabi

How do you feel leading up to your fight in Abu Dhabi on August 3?

Mohammad Yahya: I want to redeem myself for the last fight. That loss has been on my mind constantly, but everything happens for a reason.

I’m determined to put on a show, hopefully earn a ‘fight of the night’ bonus, and pay my coaches (laughs).

I didn’t give it my all in the last fight, but that won’t happen again. This time, I’m coming out guns blazing.

Source: esquireme

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.