Mohammed Yahya to become first Emirati UFC fighter

Mohammed Yahya is set to become the UAE's first-ever fighter to compete in the UFC.

The 29-year-old announced he has inked a historic deal with the world’s leading MMA promotion and is expected to make his debut at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi. 

Yahya is reportedly set to face American Trevor Peek on October 21 at Etihad Arena.

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"I’ve been training since March so I’m ready. I’ll make all Arabs proud," said the Dubai-based athlete.

Yahya made his MMA debut in 2012 after signing with regional promotion Desert Force and won four out of five fights. He then went on to compete twice in Bellator – winning once. In 2019, he signed for UAE Warriors.

UFC 294 is headlined by Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira, in a rematch of their UFC 280 bout in Abu Dhabi last year.