Mohammad Yahya relishes homecoming at PFL MENA in Dubai

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