UFC's First Emirati Fighter Set To Return To Fight Night In Abu Dhabi Next Month
Mohammad Yahya, the first Emirati to compete in the UFC, is set to return to the Octagon on August 3. He will face Brazilian Kaue Fernandes at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Yahya made history last year by signing with the world's largest mixed martial arts organisation. He debuted in October at UFC 294: MAKHACHEV vs. VOLKANOVSKI 2 in Abu Dhabi.
UFC FIGHT NIGHT: SANDHAGEN vs. NURMAGOMEDOV
The upcoming event will feature Yahya in a lightweight bout against Fernandes during UFC FIGHT NIGHT: SANDHAGEN vs. NURMAGOMEDOV. The 30-year-old fighter will have the advantage of competing in front of his home fans.
Yahya boasts an overall record of 12-4 and has significant experience fighting in the region, particularly with UAE Warriors. Out of his sixteen professional fights, twelve have taken place in the UAE, ensuring strong support from local fans as he seeks his first UFC victory.
Kaue Fernandes from Brazil will also be making his second UFC appearance this August. The 29-year-old holds an 8-2 record and, like Yahya, aims for his first win inside the Octagon.
The night’s main event will be a crucial bantamweight clash between American Cory Sandhagen and undefeated Russian Umar Nurmagomedov. Both fighters are familiar to Abu Dhabi fans, having competed there previously.
Sandhagen, ranked No.2, has fought on Yas Island twice before, earning bonuses on both occasions. He secured a performance of the night bonus by defeating Marlon Moraes in 2020 and a fight of the night bonus for his battle with Petr Yan for the interim bantamweight title a year later.
Nurmagomedov (17-0), currently ranked No.10 in the division, made his UFC debut in Abu Dhabi. He earned a performance of the night bonus by stopping Sergey Morozov and has since won four more fights, establishing himself as one of the rising stars in the 135lbs class.
This event promises exciting matchups and high stakes for all fighters involved as they look to make their mark in their respective divisions.
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