R. Yahya celebrates victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagra
One of the Brazilian representatives at the UFC Las Vegas 33, Rani Yaya approaches his second commitment of the season. After the victory show in March, this Saturday (31), the bantamweight (up to 61,2kg.) will face Kyung Ho Kang on the main card. Before the challenge, the athlete spoke exclusively to SUPER FIGHTS and analyzed the opponent for the weekend. The fighter, who completed 10 years with the company this season, also gave a sincere review of his career in the organization.
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No UFC Las Vegas 33, Rani will seek to win his second consecutive victory in the company, something that hasn't happened since February 2018. To do so, the Brazilian will need to repeat his feat from March, when he put on a real show against Ray Rodriguez.
Back up
When she stepped into the octagon for her last fight, Rani had completed just over two years without a triumph in the company. The athlete, however, ignored the pressure and submitted Rodriguez in the second round. Months after the victory, the bantamweight spoke about the feeling of having his arm raised again.
“It was a wonderful feeling, I felt emotional after the victory. I felt grateful, blessed. I had these two results, but I was not victorious. Including the last one (against Enrique Barzola, in 2020), really affected me, because there was a moment when the fight was in my hands and I let it slip. I spent the whole year thinking about it, thinking about winning again, (…) getting the result. (The victory) was big for me”, he revealed.
Next challenge
No UFC Las Vegas 33, Yahya will be tested once again by the company. The Brazilian will share the octagon with Kyung Ho Kang, also known for his qualities in jiu-jitsu. The Tupiniquim then evaluated the opponent and made his predictions about how the confrontation would unfold.
“It won't be a jiu-jitsu fight, but it has a very strong tendency to take place on the ground, as well as on the feet. Nowadays, oddly enough, I don't force myself to take the fight to the ground. I started to realize that the best way to take it to the ground is not to force it too much, so as not to wear it out too much. It just happens. It could be that he wants to 'exchange' (standing confrontation) and I'm totally ready for that, to surprise him in that sense”, he admitted.
Trajectory in Ultimate
In January of this season, Rani reached the impressive milestone of 10 years as an Ultimate representative. At the company since 2011, the athlete gave a sincere assessment of how he sees his career in the organization.
“It is certainly a positive balance. To tell you the truth, I wish I had gone further, participated in a 'main event' (main fight), gotten to the top of the rankings, challenged for the belt. Being in a place in the sun, much more than I am. In general, when I look back, I see that it was a positive balance, over a long period of time. It's something that means I don't have to prove anything to anyone anymore. I already have respect from the community, especially from the jiu-jitsu community within MMA. I’m happy with that,” he said.
What did it take to reach the top of the division?
When saying that he could have gone even further in the company, Rani was asked what could have been done to make his name, today, among the 15 best placed in the company. Without shying away, the Brazilian was sincere in his statement.
“Which is the issue of consistency. My best streak was four wins. In the key fights, which could have taken me further, I ended up not performing so well. At various times, during these 10 years, after winning, I changed my focus a little in relation to what I was doing. I let myself get carried away with some other things. (…) I've been in the UFC for 10 years and we need to generate results. Now, to fly a little further is really about staying more consistent. What happened now, about doing a camp (training period), then doing another, is something that is related. Since my last fight, my focus and motivation have not changed. I simply increased my motivation more. Consistency is the key”, he said.
upcoming appointments
Willing to stay active, Yahya welcomes the current situation in the category led by aljamain sterling. If he emerges victorious against the South Korean, the Brazilian mentioned some names that could be important in bringing him closer to the top 15 in the division.
“I see a lot of people. Has the Sean O'Malley, which has a lot of hype, evolving, but it's not that whole thing. I had been talking about (Urijah) Faber, which would be something interesting,” he revealed.
Optimal outcome
In an attempt to maintain a positive balance within the organization and advance in one of the company's most competitive categories, Rani knows that a victory on Saturday is important. The fighter then stated that he is prepared for all scenarios that may arise.
“I dream a lot about the three possibilities of winning. Winning by submission, by knockout – the first for the UFC, would be wonderful – and by decision too. Even that would be within the dream. Fighting for 15 minutes is always a war. So, performing well in all three rounds is an objective. On Saturday I'm counting on Brazil's fans, we're together, we're a nation. It's a time for the Olympics, we've already won some medals. I feel proud to be Brazilian at this moment. The victory of one is the victory of all of us. I will represent everyone there”, he concluded.
Athletes' history
At 36, Rani Yaya is heading towards his 40th fight as a professional in MMA. Today, the fighter has 27 victories, 10 setbacks, one draw and one 'no contest'.
In mixed martial arts since 2007, Kyung will make his 27th fight in the sport. Today, the South Korean has 17 wins, eight losses and one 'no result' duel.
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