UFC on ABC 9: Mohammad Yahya vs Steven Nguyen

Mohammad “The UAE Warrior” Yahya entered the Octagon in front of his home crowd at Etihad Arena under immense pressure. With a 0‑2 UFC record following losses to Trevor Peek and Kaue Fernandes, his return to the featherweight division marked a crucial crossroads. Yahya had revamped his approach—undergoing a 12‑week camp in Dubai, adjusting diet and training style—fully aware this fight could determine his future in the promotion.

His opponent, Steven “The Ninja” Nguyen, stepped in with a 9‑2 record and a knack for mixing crisp boxing with solid grappling transitions. Despite dropping his UFC debut to Jarno Errens, Nguyen was seen as a technical, well-rounded competitor with the ability to grind through adversity and seal memorable finishes on the Contender Series. Oddsmakers reflected that, comfortably favoring Nguyen over Yahya entering the bout.

From the opening minutes, Yahya sought to rally the crowd with aggressive forward movement, looking to land heavy shots and establish dominance early. But Nguyen’s composure and excellent range control kept Yahya from imposing his pressure fully. Nguyen’s boxing combinations and ability to counter efficiently began to frustrate the Emirati striker, gradually shifting the balance toward the American.

As the rounds wore on, Yahya’s offensive bursts lost steam, his power seemingly neutralized by Nguyen’s steady pace. Nguyen capitalized—landing higher output and exploiting openings in Yahya’s defense. Though Yahya flashed commitment and heart in intermittent exchanges, Nguyen’s boxing sharpness and superior cardio allowed him to distance himself decisively as the bout advanced.

By the final horn, Nguyen had methodically dismantled Yahya’s game plan—landing consistently, staying durable under pressure, and dictating the tempo. Judges ultimately awarded Nguyen the victory—via decision—a result that added credibility to his UFC tenure and left Yahya facing a pivotal reevaluation of his path in the featherweight division. The outcome underscored a significant moment for both men: Nguyen solidified his place, while Yahya confronted the high stakes of competing as a hometown representative on MMA’s biggest stage.