DUBAI: Mohammad Yahya has fought across the world and broken new ground for mixed martial arts in the UAE, but the next chapter of his career may carry more personal significance than any before it.
On May 24, the Emirati featherweight will headline PFL MENA: Pride of Arabia at the Coca-Cola Arena — an arena just minutes from his home.
“The fight was supposed to be in Saudi,” Yahya said. “But obviously, who wouldn’t want to fight in their own backyard? Coca-Cola Arena is 10 minutes away from my house. It’s always been a dream for me to fight there.
“I remember seeing them building it, all the lights, the locker rooms, I just love the whole atmosphere.”
The 17,000-capacity venue, which opened in 2019, has become one of the Middle East’s leading indoor arenas, hosting major concerts and international sporting events. On May 24, it will host one of the UAE’s most recognizable MMA names in a pivotal moment for both fighter and promotion.
PFL MENA confirmed Dubai as the host city for its 2026 season opener in April, with league executives pointing to the emirate’s growing status as a regional hub for sports and entertainment.
“Dubai is a key market for PFL MENA and a global hub for sport and entertainment, making it the ideal stage for our 2026 season opener, aptly titled ‘Pride of Arabia,’” said Jerome Mazet, general manager of PFL MENA
The event was first scheduled for Alkhobar before plans changed earlier this year, a switch that ultimately handed Yahya the opportunity to compete in front of a home crowd.
In the main event, Yahya faces Tunisia’s Mehdi Saadi in a featherweight quarterfinal bout as part of the PFL MENA tournament format. Victory would move the Emirati deeper into the eight-man bracket and keep alive hopes of claiming a regional title and potentially earning future PFL international opportunities.
The card will also feature reigning lightweight champion Salah Eddine Hamli against Algeria’s Ylies Djiroun in the co-main event, while teenage Emirati prospect Zamzam Al-Hammadi is set to make her promotional debut.
Yahya turned professional in 2014 under the Desert Force banner in Abu Dhabi and steadily established himself as one of the UAE’s leading MMA figures. His resume includes seven wins by knockout or technical knockout, two submissions, and the UAE Warriors Arabia lightweight title with two successful defenses.
More importantly, he became a trailblazer for the sport in the UAE, competing during a period when MMA had yet to gain mainstream traction in the region.
“I remember when I first started, there were no events here and MMA wasn’t really a big thing,” Yahya said.
“There were karate dojos that I trained in at the beginning, then jiu-jitsu came along, and then they started doing some MMA events. After that, they had the first UFC here.
“To see MMA evolve so much in our country, and to see how much our leaders support and push this sport, is really great.”
The 31-year-old enters the tournament under pressure after three consecutive defeats but remains confident he can reset his momentum on home soil.
“I’m on a three-fight losing streak, so it’s just business right now,” he said. “I’m hungry, prepared to win this tournament, and looking forward to proving myself and getting back in there.”
Yahya plays a wider role in the local MMA community through his work at TK MMA in Dubai, where he trains and mentors aspiring fighters and fitness enthusiasts.
“I started doing personal training to help people reach their fitness goals and just give back to the community,” he said.
Yahya’s own inspiration came from watching The Ultimate Fighter as a child, particularly the season featuring Rashad Evans and Quinton Jackson, before later following the rise of Jon Jones.
Now he finds himself a source of inspiration for a new generation of fighters emerging in the UAE and the wider region.
“When I was that age, I remember thinking these people have two legs, two arms, and the same body as us,” Yahya said.
“So, if they can do it, we can do it. You just have to stay focused, believe in yourself, and don’t let anyone put you down or make you believe otherwise.”
Yahya previously made history as the first Emirati fighter to compete in the UFC, a milestone he still views with pride.
“I’m proud to be the first Emirati in UFC history and hope my inclusion will help inspire the next generation in the UAE,” he said.
Headlining PFL MENA in Dubai is another landmark moment in that journey.
“It’s great,” Yahya said. “I feel blessed and privileged to always headline these events. There are not many fighters from here at this level. I’m proud to represent my country on the biggest platforms.”
