Emirati Mohammad Yahya is gearing up for the biggest night in his mixed martial art career in Abu Dhabi.
Yahya headlines the UAE Warriors Arabia 4 as the first Emirati to fight for a title when he takes on Algerian Yazid Chouchane for the lightweight belt at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena.
Yahya enters the cage with 9-3 win-loss record and is quietly confident in his chances at a first MMA belt to add to the multiple titles he’s won in kickboxing.
“To contest for the No 1 position in the promotion is indeed a big night, and yes, you can say it’s the biggest night for me in my MMA career,” Yahya told The National.
“This title contest means a lot to me. I’m representing my country and fighting in front of my home fans. There is a lot at stake. I want to see the UAE flag raised after the fight.
“I have featured in title fights in kickboxing but this is the first time in MMA and also on a big stage like the UAE Warriors Arabia.
“The promotion is already established and the UAE Warriors Arabia has provided a solid platform for the Arab fighters. It also paves the way for the Arab fighters to compete in their international events.”
Yahya made his MMA professional debut in Desert Force-11 on March 2014, winning five of his first six fights.
He made a sensational debut at the Bellator-191, knocking out England's Ashley Griffiths in the first round but then lost to another Englishman Gavin Hughes in Bellator Birmingham.
Yahya made his UAE Warriors debut on October 2019 and holds a 4-1 record in the promotion.
“It’s been a long journey for me in combat sports but have been enjoying every moment of it,” Yahya said.
“There was one other person who turned pro before me but I was the youngest at that time and now the longest serving Emirati fighter in the professional circuit.”
Yahya’s opponent Chouchane (7-2) is undefeated in two UAE Warriors appearances.
He clinched a split decision over Jordanian Mostafa Ibrahim Radi in the Arabia edition in January and won a unanimous decision over Kuwaiti Ahmad Al Boussairy in March.
“He’s a tough guy. We have competed in the same card in March and I know one or two things about him, but as always there can be elements of surprises in this game,” Yahya said of his France-based opponent.
The 13-fight card also features a second title contest between Kuwaiti Abdulla Al Bousheiri and Moroccan Badreddine Diani for the welterweight title.
The UAE Warriors-22 takes place on Saturday at the same venue. The 14-fight card is headlined by the bantamweight showdown between the Germany-based Palestinian Rany Saadeh and American Shawn Bunch.
It’s the third time in a row that the promotion is organising back-to-back fight cards. Fouad Darwish, CEO of Palms Sports, said it wasn’t the plan but has become immensely popular with the MMA fraternity.
“We are always working in providing the best opportunities for our fighters and the fans, and it’s working well all-round,” Darwish added.
“Having said that, our next fight card won’t be another back-to-back event. We would like to mix it up, and continue provide the best platform for our contestants as well as for the fans.”
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 247hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 370Nm from 1,500-3,500rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 7.8L/100km
Price: from Dh94,900
On sale: now
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km
The specs
Price, base / as tested Dh12 million
Engine 8.0-litre quad-turbo, W16
Gearbox seven-speed dual clutch auto
Power 1479 @ 6,700rpm
Torque 1600Nm @ 2,000rpm 0-100kph: 2.6 seconds 0-200kph: 6.1 seconds
Top speed 420 kph (governed)
Fuel economy, combined 35.2L / 100km (est)
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
If you go
Flying
Despite the extreme distance, flying to Fairbanks is relatively simple, requiring just one transfer in Seattle, which can be reached directly from Dubai with Emirates for Dh6,800 return.
Touring
Gondwana Ecotours’ seven-day Polar Bear Adventure starts in Fairbanks in central Alaska before visiting Kaktovik and Utqiarvik on the North Slope. Polar bear viewing is highly likely in Kaktovik, with up to five two-hour boat tours included. Prices start from Dh11,500 per person, with all local flights, meals and accommodation included; gondwanaecotours.com
The years Ramadan fell in May
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Directed: Smeep Kang
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Cast: Rishi Kapoor, Jimmy Sheirgill, Sunny Singh, Omkar Kapoor, Rajesh Sharma
Rating: Two out of five stars
The specs
Engine: 77.4kW all-wheel-drive dual motor
Power: 320bhp
Torque: 605Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
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Results:
5pm: Handicap (PA) | Dh80,000 | 1,600 metres
Winner: Dasan Da, Saeed Al Mazrooei (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)
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Winner: RB Inferno, Fabrice Veron, Ismail Mohammed
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Winner: Juthoor, Jim Crowley, Erwan Charpy
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
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Price: From Dh117,059
Analysis
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Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
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Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
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Wenger's Arsenal reign in numbers
1,228 - games at the helm, ahead of Sunday's Premier League fixture against West Ham United.
704 - wins to date as Arsenal manager.
3 - Premier League title wins, the last during an unbeaten Invincibles campaign of 2003/04.
1,549 - goals scored in Premier League matches by Wenger's teams.
10 - major trophies won.
473 - Premier League victories.
7 - FA Cup triumphs, with three of those having come the last four seasons.
151 - Premier League losses.
21 - full seasons in charge.
49 - games unbeaten in the Premier League from May 2003 to October 2004.
MO
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The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
