Mohammed Yahya, UAE’s first UFC fighter, gears up for Aug 3 showdown

We spoke to Mohammed Yahya, the first Emirati fighter in the UFC, who will face off against MMA fighter Brazilian Kaue Fernandes in Abu Dhabi on August 3, at the Etihad Arena. Here, Yahya discusses his preparation for the upcoming fight and journey to the UFC, the world’s biggest platform for mixed martial arts (MMA).

How did you start your MMA career?

Growing up, I wasn’t into academics and didn’t like school. One way to escape was to watch UFC on TV; it inspired me. I decided to pursue it and started training in boxing and MMA, despite the lack of facilities at the time in the UAE. Since I was dedicated to the sport. I moved to the UK for training and had many kickboxing and MMA fights there before joining the UFC.

Tell us a little about the upcoming fight and what it feels like to be back after the UFC tournament in Abu Dhabi in October last year.

I’m excited to be back for the UFC Fight Night. It’s been almost a year since my last UFC duel. My encounter with Trevor Peek didn’t go as planned. I lost by a small decision, which was hard on me. This fight, my second about on the UFC platform, on August 3rd is my chance to make things right.

I’ve been training for a year, and I’m ready to get this win.

How do you train for something like that, especially coming back from a loss? How have you been preparing physically and mentally for this fight?

It’s a big responsibility because I’m not just representing myself and my family; I’m representing the whole nation. There’s a lot of pressure, but I’ve been working hard, isolating myself from the real world, focusing on training and making sacrifices to ensure I win this fight.

How do you prepare physically? Can you describe your training regimen?

Training is exhausting. It involves a lot of physical pain and sacrifice. I train day and night, putting my body through intense sessions, then sleeping and recovering to perform better in the next training.

For three to four months, I isolated myself, focusing solely on training with my coaches and developing a game plan to win.

What’s your strategy going into the fight on August 3?

I’m a stand-up fighter. My wrestling and ground game are strong too. I want to put on a good show and secure a win using these skills.

What areas do you feel you have a definite edge over your competitors?

Striking is my strength. I started kickboxing at 14 and had 30 amateur kickboxing fights. Back then, MMA wasn’t popular in the UAE, so I focused on striking. Now, with MMA growing here, there are more opportunities for the young generation, which is great.

Why has MMA picked up so significantly in Abu Dhabi, especially among the youth?

MMA is incredibly entertaining. It’s like modern-day gladiator combat, which fascinates people. Watching two fighters go head-to-head is thrilling. It’s a dangerous sport, but that risk makes it compelling. MMA is fast-paced and showcases the body’s capabilities, which people love to see.

How do you prepare mentally for a fight, especially after a loss?

After my last loss, which was very close, I kept telling myself I could have won with just a bit more effort. This time, I’m mentally prepared and focused. I have tunnel vision walking out to the fight and am ready to put on a good show and knock my opponent out.

What advice would you give to young people aspiring to be MMA fighters?

MMA is a tough sport with many ups and downs. If you truly want it and are willing to give it your all without giving up, anything is possible. It’s a rewarding career, but it requires immense dedication and resilience.

Have there been any turning points in your career where you felt like giving up but decided to keep going?

I’ve had significant injuries like a torn ACL and bicep, which kept me out for months. But I promised myself I’d make it to the top, so I pushed through. The injuries taught me to train smarter and avoid further injuries.

Can you share your most rewarding and toughest fight so far?

Defending my title was my toughest fight. It was challenging but rewarding. My sweetest victory was knocking out my opponent in the first round in Abu Dhabi during one of my earlier fights.

Do you have any idols or mentors in MMA?

Jon Bones Jones is my biggest inspiration. He was the first UFC fighter I watched, and he’s a champion who’s never lost.

What can people expect from you on August 3rd and beyond?  

I just turned 30 and have a lot of “fight” left in me. People can expect great, entertaining fights from me.

What keeps you focused and in the zone?

My prayers keep me focused. They ground me and help me stay in the right mindset.

What’s on your playlist when you train?

I used to listen to Eminem a lot, but now I train without music. I prefer to focus on the training itself.

Read: How the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation is promoting the nation as a sporting hub