Yahya (photo) faces Bedford in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC
In his next fight, against Johnny Bedford, at UFC Fight Night 39, in Abu Dhabi, Rani Yaya will be back in the bantamweight category (up to 61 kg). The Brazilian fighter worked in the top category, among the featherweights (up to 66 kg), since arriving at the UFC in 2011. However, he came to the conclusion that the bottom division is the most compatible with his physical size.
“After consideration with my team, we concluded that my body type is best suited to the bantamweight category. In fact, I had the best results of my career fighting at this weight. I hope that, from the next fight onwards, I can return to the good winning streak I had in the UFC”, said the Brazilian, who is coming off a defeat to Tom Niinimaki, in November last year – before that, he had a three-fight winning streak consecutive.
The fight against the Finn, in fact, still causes doubts in Yahya. “Honestly, I thought the result of the last fight was quite controversial. Many said I won, including people connected to the event. However, I have already erased that from my mind and my focus is to have three fights this year in the category and, who knows, seek a title shot at the beginning of 2015”, he projected.
Regarding the fight against Bedford, Yahya stated that he is prepared to fight both standing up and on the ground. “I know I'm going to face a very tough guy, very experienced and cold. He's complete, that's why I'm going to look for the right strategy at the time of the fight, at the right time. It can be on top or on the ground, this time I am prepared in all areas. May the lion that has the most desire win”, he concluded.
UFC Fight Night 39 will take place on April 11, a Friday. The main fight will feature another Brazilian, Rodrigo Minotauro, which will face Roy Nelson.
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