The initial impression when meeting Mohammad Yahya is his resolute gaze. Upon entering a media hall following a sparring session at the UFC Gym in Dubai Marina, Yahya displayed a natural comfort in front of the cameras, seamlessly transitioning between Arabic and English. For someone who has dedicated his life to combat since the age of 14, it was remarkable to witness him beaming while posing with an Arabic reporter.
Yahya made history last year as the UAE's first UFC fighter and now aims to bring joy to Emiratis by defeating Brazilian Kaue Fernandes at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi this Saturday. In a conversation with City Times, Yahya discussed the sacrifices required to reach the UFC, the pinnacle of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
As the first Emirati fighter in the UFC, how does it feel to be preparing for your second bout? I'm extremely excited; my last fight didn't unfold as expected, falling short by a few points, which still weighs on me. My current training has been robust, and I'm fully prepared. Facing a strong opponent on home turf will be an excellent opportunity to display my skills.
Competing in front of fellow Emiratis is a significant advantage. I've experienced similar settings before and intend to defend my territory. Kaue Fernandes will not leave with a victory over me. Continuous training is essential; I've been at it since I was 14, with only injury-induced breaks. Twelve weeks of intense preparation are sufficient to reach peak condition.
My daily routine involves early morning starts, followed by training sessions in wrestling or boxing, and specific gym workouts in the evening. This discipline is crucial at the elite level, transforming you into a relentless machine. Combat sports demand courage; my parents supported my choice, seeing the discipline and focus it instilled in me.
My diet is stringent, especially two weeks before a fight, focusing on high protein and avoiding sweets. I've made significant personal sacrifices, including missing out on social activities to focus on training. I'm the first in my family to pursue sports seriously and the first from the UAE to join the UFC.
My advice to aspiring Emirati fighters is to dream big and work hard. Success requires sacrifice and perseverance. It's inspiring to see the growth of combat sports in the Arab region, and I'm proud to represent the UAE. My immediate goal is to win this fight and continue performing well in subsequent UFC events.
I don't follow other sports; my passion lies solely in MMA. The mental resilience required after a defeat is crucial; losses teach humility and drive improvement. My strategy is to focus on winning this bout decisively and building from there.
