Mohammad Yahya loses at PFL: Pride of Arabia

  • The Professional Fighters League kicked off the 2026 PFL Mena season at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on Sunday, May 24. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
    The Professional Fighters League kicked off the 2026 PFL Mena season at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on Sunday, May 24. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
  • In the featherweight tournament main event, the UAE's Mohammad Yahya faced Tunisia’s Mehdi Saadi (top).
    In the featherweight tournament main event, the UAE's Mohammad Yahya faced Tunisia’s Mehdi Saadi (top).
  • Mohammad Yahya, right, goes on the attack against Mehdi Saadi.
    Mohammad Yahya, right, goes on the attack against Mehdi Saadi.
  • The second round saw the two featherweight tournament competitors trade leg kicks, knees, and punches in combination in a closely contested contest.
    The second round saw the two featherweight tournament competitors trade leg kicks, knees, and punches in combination in a closely contested contest.
  • Mohammad Yahya was making his PFL debut in front of his home crowd in Dubai.
    Mohammad Yahya was making his PFL debut in front of his home crowd in Dubai.
  • Mehdi Saadi, right, opened the bout by landing heavy calf kicks.
    Mehdi Saadi, right, opened the bout by landing heavy calf kicks.
  • Mohammad Yahya (lost a split decision to Mehdi Saadi.
    Mohammad Yahya (lost a split decision to Mehdi Saadi.
  • Rising Emirati prospect Zamzam Al Hammadi made her highly anticipated PFL Mena debut.
    Rising Emirati prospect Zamzam Al Hammadi made her highly anticipated PFL Mena debut.
  • Zamzam Al Hammadi featured in a women’s strawweight amateur showcase against Abeer Mansour and earned a hard-fought decision.
    Zamzam Al Hammadi featured in a women’s strawweight amateur showcase against Abeer Mansour and earned a hard-fought decision.
  • Zamzam Al Hammadi (white top) was making her PFL Mena debut.
    Zamzam Al Hammadi (white top) was making her PFL Mena debut.
  • Zamzam Al Hammadi said: “It was fantastic fighting in front of my mum for the first time."
    Zamzam Al Hammadi said: “It was fantastic fighting in front of my mum for the first time."
  • Zamzam Al Hammadi, right, goes on the attack against Egypt's Abeer Mansour.
    Zamzam Al Hammadi, right, goes on the attack against Egypt's Abeer Mansour.
  • Zamzam Al Hammadi earned a hard-fought decision win over Abeer Mansour.
    Zamzam Al Hammadi earned a hard-fought decision win over Abeer Mansour.