UFC Fight Night: Mohammad Yahya vs Steven Nguyen Preview & Prediction
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Mohammad Yahya vs Steven Nguyen: American looking to spoil the party in Abu Dhabi
The UFC returns to Abu Dhabi, and local favourite Mohammad Yahya is once again featured on home turf. He faces American scrapper Steven Nguyen in a lightweight clash that could determine who stays on the roster.
Mohammad Yahya vs Steven Nguyen facts
What time are Mohammad Yahya and Steven Nguyen expected to walk out?
Where is UFC on ABC 9: Whittaker vs de Ridder? Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ABC 9: Whittaker vs de Ridder? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC on ABC 9
What TV channel is UFC on ABC 9 on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+ (undercard) & ABC (main card)
Where can I stream UFC on ABC 9? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs de Ridder main card
Robert Whittaker vs Reinier de Ridder (Middleweight)
Petr Yan vs Marcus McGhee (Bantamweight)
Sharabutdin Magomedov vs Marc-Andre Barriault (Middleweight)
Asu Almabayev vs Jose Ochoa (Flyweight)
Nikita Krylov vs Bogdan Guskov (Light Heavyweight)
UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs de Ridder prelims
Bryce Mitchell vs Said Nurmagomedov (Bantamweight)
Muslim Salikhov vs Carlos Leal Miranda (Welterweight)
Davey Grant vs Da'Mon Blackshear (Bantamweight)
Amanda Ribas vs Tabatha Ricci (Women’s Strawweight)
Ibo Aslan vs Billy Elekana (Light Heavyweight)
Mohammad Yahya vs Steven Nguyen (Featherweight)
Martin Buday vs Marcus Buchecha (Heavyweight)
Mohammad Yahya: Gulf native under pressure to deliver
Yahya (12-5) holds the distinction of being the only UAE-born fighter on the UFC roster, a distinction that keeps him featured on Abu Dhabi cards. A former UAE Warriors champion, he earned his shot in the UFC after a strong regional run but has failed to impress so far. He lost his debut to Trevor Peek and was stopped in the first round by Kaue Fernandes. Yahya lacks standout skills – his striking is basic, his grappling limited, and he’s been finished four times. While he carries local significance, the 31-year-old will need a big performance to justify his spot.
Steven Nguyen: Durable scrapper with a brawling edge
Steven Nguyen (9-2) brings a gritty, boxing-first approach, forged through a mix of regional success and Contender Series experience. After suffering a flying knee loss to Aalon Cruz in his first DWCS bout, he bounced back with several wins, including a second-round finish over AJ Cunningham in 2023 that earned him a UFC deal. He lost his debut to Jarno Errens but picked up a $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus for his effort. Nguyen trains out of Fortis MMA in Texas under respected coach Sayif Saud. He’s durable, forward-pressing, and thrives in scrappy, high-volume exchanges.
Mohammad Yahya vs Steven Nguyen prediction
This feels like a mismatch. Yahya may have home support, but Nguyen is the sharper striker, more durable, and far better suited for a drawn-out brawl. Yahya has been finished by lesser opponents, and unless he shows dramatic improvement, Nguyen will overwhelm him with pressure and pace.
Expect Yahya to have moments early, but Nguyen’s cardio, grit, and willingness to trade should break him down. Whether it’s on the feet or through accumulated damage, the American looks primed to get the job done inside the distance.
Prediction: Steven Nguyen to win inside the distance
