MMA Match Preview: Mohammad Yahya (12-6-0) vs. Steven Nguyen (10-2-0)

What was expected to be a redemption bout for local favorite Mohammad Yahya turned into a historic beatdown at the hands of Steven “The Ninja” Nguyen on the prelims of UFC on ABC 9: Whittaker vs. De Ridder at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Nguyen not only secured his first UFC win, but shattered records in the process.

Tale of the Tape

Attribute	Mohammad Yahya	Steven Nguyen
Age	31	32
Height	5′9″	5′11″
Reach	73″	73″
Record	12-6-0	10-2-0
UFC Record	0-3	1-1
Style	Kickboxing/BJJ	Boxing/BJJ
Strikes Landed/Min	2.38	7.15
Takedown Accuracy	85%	85%

Steven Nguyen – The Record Breaker

Performance Highlights:

Set a UFC record with 7 knockdowns in a single fight

Dominated with crisp combinations and relentless pressure

Fight stopped after Round 2 due to Yahya’s grotesquely swollen eye

Nguyen’s striking output was overwhelming. He landed 63 of 226 significant strikes, mixing head shots and body work with surgical precision. His ability to maintain distance and pace made it impossible for Yahya to recover. The Fortis MMA product showcased elite composure and finishing instincts, earning his first UFC win in spectacular fashion.

Mohammad Yahya – Toughness Amidst Turmoil

Challenges:

Suffered one of the worst eye injuries in recent UFC history

Knocked down repeatedly and unable to mount offense

Fight stopped by referee Jason Herzog due to facial damage

Despite the loss, Yahya’s grit was undeniable. He absorbed punishment and kept pressing forward, but his defense and footwork couldn’t withstand Nguyen’s volume. Fighting on home soil, Yahya had the crowd behind him, but the physical toll was too great.

What’s Next?

Nguyen: A potential matchup with a top-25 featherweight could test his staying power.

Yahya: May need to regroup outside the UFC or take time off to recover and reassess.

Want a breakdown of Nguyen’s striking metrics or a visual recap of his knockdowns? I can also build a fighter trend model or simulate his next matchup. Just say the word.