Mohammad Yahya vs. Kauê Fernandes: UFC on ABC 7 Prelims Preview & Prediction3 months ago
Mohammad Yahya's grappling vs. Kauê Fernandes' striking power. Read our detailed analysis and prediction for this intriguing fight.

Mohammad Yahya

Record: 15-7

Recent Fights:

  • Loss to Trevor Peek (Decision, 2023)
  • Win against Souhil Tahiri (Decision, 2023)
  • Win against Mohamed El Jaghdal (Submission, 2022)
  • Win against Yazid Chouchane (TKO, 2021)
  • Loss to Dan Collins (Submission, 2020)

Yahya is a well-rounded fighter with a strong grappling background, as shown by his submission wins and decisions in the UAE Warriors promotions. His recent loss to Trevor Peek and win against Tahiri suggest he’s consistent but can be challenged by high-level competition.

Kauê Fernandes

Record: 12-3

Recent Fights:

  • Loss to Marc Diakiese (Decision, 2023)
  • Win against Felipe Douglas (KO, 2023)
  • Win against Jose Arly Carvalho (KO, 2022)
  • Loss to Luan Andre Souza Sardinha (Decision, 2021)
  • Win against Marcio Bruno Rodrigues Braga (Decision, 2019)

Fernandes is known for his striking power, with recent KO victories demonstrating his ability to finish fights quickly. His losses, particularly against Marc Diakiese, show he can be competitive but might struggle against strong grapplers.

Fighting Styles and Strategy

Yahya: Likely to utilize his grappling skills to control the fight and look for submission opportunities. He will aim to avoid striking exchanges where Fernandes is more dangerous.
Fernandes: Will aim to use his striking power to finish the fight early. Keeping the fight standing and avoiding Yahya’s grappling will be crucial.

Keys to Victory

Yahya: Needs to close the distance and engage in grappling exchanges to neutralize Fernandes’ striking. Successful takedowns and top control will be key to securing a win.

Fernandes: Must keep the fight standing and use his striking to land powerful shots. Avoiding Yahya’s takedowns and maintaining distance will be important for success.

Prediction

Given Yahya’s grappling expertise and Fernandes’ recent performances, the fight is likely to hinge on whether Yahya can implement his grappling game effectively. If Yahya can get Fernandes to the ground and avoid being caught by Fernandes’ power, he has the advantage. I predict Mohammad Yahya to win by submission in the later rounds, using his grappling skills to control and finish the fight.