Emirati fighter Mohammad Yahya is preparing for what could be the defining moment of his career as he seeks his first victory in the UFC. On July 26, Yahya will enter the Octagon for his third appearance in the promotion at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena, facing American striker Steven Nguyen in a bout that represents 16 years of dedication.
“I have nothing to lose anymore,” Yahya stated. “This fight is about proving to myself that I belong here. The other fights were just setbacks.”
His road in the world’s premier MMA organization has been difficult. Yahya’s UFC debut in October 2023 at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi ended in a unanimous decision loss to Trevor Peek, a result he attributes to the immense pressure of a sold-out event and debut nerves. His second outing was even more challenging, ending in a first-round TKO after he fractured his shin while checking a kick within the first 30 seconds.
“I couldn’t move in my last fight,” he explained. “Since then, I’ve just been focused on improving my footwork and training.”
That injury prompted a year-long period of rebuilding and evolution. Yahya moved down from lightweight to featherweight and enlisted new coaches, most notably a Dagestani trainer from the camp of legendary fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov.
“Training with someone from Khabib’s team has brought a new layer of strategy and discipline,” Yahya said. “I feel a lot faster, leaner, and honestly, stronger. This feels like the division I’m meant to be in.”
While another loss could jeopardize his UFC tenure, Yahya claims the pressure that once affected him is gone. As the sole Emirati in the UFC, his journey is a benchmark for the sport’s growth in the region.
“When I started at 14, there were no MMA events here. No gyms. Nothing,” he recalled. “But now? Abu Dhabi hosts the biggest UFC cards, supports amateur and youth development, and our rulers have invested so much in the sport. It’s become the hub for MMA in the region.”
Representing his country is a source of both motivation and responsibility. Yahya acknowledges the disappointment from his young fans after his previous losses and is determined to deliver for them this time.
“Raising the UAE flag in the UFC has always been my dream,” he said. “Winning in my homeland means everything to me. Hopefully this time I’ll make up to everyone.”
His opponent, Steven Nguyen, is also fighting for his first win in the promotion. “This is the UFC. Everyone here is the best,” Yahya noted. “I’m not taking him lightly, but I’m very confident in my skills and that I’ll come out with the W.”
Asked about his post-fight plans, his focus remains on his craft: a “training camp holiday” in Thailand.
Yahya’s message to his supporters is one of transformation. “I can promise to be a different athlete. Different person. Different fighter. This is going to be my best performance ever. I’ve been working hard and ticking all the boxes, so I have no excuse not to win. The rest is up to God.”
Source link
