Dubai: Mohammad Yahya, the first Emirati mixed martial artist (MMA) to join an international promotion, says his end goal is to sign for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
The 23-year-old, who has a 6-1 (seven fight, six wins one loss) record, signed a four-fight deal with Bellator MMA — the world’s second biggest promotion behind UFC — last week, prompting him to dream harder.
“Every fighters goal is to make the UFC,” said Yahya. “Bellator are the second best in the world and for me now this is a perfect way to get experience and build my career before getting in the UFC.”
Yahya has been buoyed by the success of his sparring partner 33-year-old Dutch/Turk Gorkan Saki, who got a UFC call-up last month.
“He’s the best stand-up fighter in the UFC and it’s a great opportunity for me to train and learn from him and hopefully be in the UFC myself one day.
“If I win all my fights in Bellator I’m sure I’ll be guaranteed a spot in UFC, especially as they want local talent from this region, and I’m the best local talent here, but I’m taking it step-by-step right now.
“Me joining Bellator puts the UAE on the map, this is something I’ve always wanted to do, to reach a big stage and represent my country. I’m going to be the first to do that and that’s an honour.
“Hopefully, people get inspired and realise that they can do it themselves. I don’t think there are a lot of Emirati fighters at the moment but MMA is still growing, a lot of people still don’t know what it is.
“I don’t know who my first Bellator opponent will be, but I’m ready to fight anyone my manager accepts.”
