Abu Dhabi’s “Fight Island” will again be the centre of the combat sports universe this weekend, October 21, 2023, with UFC 294 hosting one of the biggest title rematches in recent MMA history. But for local residents and hardcore MMA fans, there’s one name that we’re all itching to see inside the Octagon: Mohammed Yahya.
Making history as the first Emirati fighter to compete inside the UFC, Dubai’s very own Mohammed Yahya will be make his debut agains American Trevor Peek.
Despite its growing history of hosting big UFC events, the United Arab Emirates is relatively new to the world of combat sports, and Yahya is determined to put his country, and his people, on the map.
Ahead of the fight Esquire Middle East speaks exclusive to the local fighter to discuss his childhood inspiration, training in Dubai, and standing on the cusp of making history.
ESQUIRE: When did you throw your first punch, and was it love at first strike?
Mohammed Yahya: [Laughs] I watched The Ultimate Fighter when I was 14, Rampage Jackson vs Rashad Evans, and I got hooked immediately. But for an aspiring MMA fighter, the closest thing available in Dubai at the time was a Kung Fu gym, so that’s what I started training. Then when I was 16 they finally opened up an MMA gym, and I had my first amateur kickboxing fight at 17, my current record is 22-0.
Was it frustrating wanting something (MMA) that didn’t exist in Dubai yet?
Absolutely. It was impossible to even compete here, let alone find a gym, but now it feels like there’s a new MMA gym popping up everyday which is amazing. Kids today who are growing up watching the UFC and who want to compete will find an immediate outlet.
Brazil has Jiu Jitsu, Russia has Sambo, Thailand has Muay Thai, America has wrestling. What specific martial arts will become synonymous with the UAE?
The national sport out here is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, they teach it in the army, and it is mandatory in school. Since I jointed the national service, I trained it all throughout school as well as the army, so that became the foundation for my own MMA development, and presumably for future Emirati fighters as well.
What fighter was your biggest influence?
Rashad Evans was always my favourite, but then he fought Jon Jones who completely destroyed him, and since then it’s always been Jon Jones. His spinning elbows, his creativity, his wrestling, everything he does is just perfect. And because of him, I’ve thrown several spinning elbows in my last few fights, but hopefully one day I’ll land a highlight reel knockout.
How did it feel getting the call that you’d be competing in the UFC?
I had a feeling my time was coming soon, so I even prayed, and then got the call when I was in Thailand, and when they asked I told them this is what I’ve been dreaming of and training for my entire life. Right now I’m just controlling my nerves because it almost doesn’t seem real, but after Saturday night it’ll probably sink in more.
What will happen on Saturday night?
I’ve dedicated my life to this since I was 14 years old, and I’ve sacrificed it all for this moment. All the work and dedication will be shown and I can’t wait to compete in front of my home crowd.
Every nation has their own UFC superstar, except for the UAE. Can that be you?
100 percent.
