The countdown to PFL MENA: Pride of Arabia started with an intense stare down today as Mohammad “The UAE Warrior” Yahya and Tunisian rival Mehdi Saadi locked eyes for the first time, setting the stage for the Featherweight main event at Coca-Cola Arena on May 24, 2026.

The two fighters faced off at the PFL MENA: Pride of Arabia Media Day at TKMMA Gym in Dubai, with Yahya (12-6) – one of the UAE’s most beloved combat sports figures – stepping into the spotlight ahead of a landmark moment in his career. The Emirati veteran makes his long-awaited PFL debut on May 24, headlining PFL MENA’s 2026 season opener in front of the fans who have followed every step of his journey.

Facing him across the room was Saadi (6-2), Tunisia’s composed and dangerous featherweight contender, who made clear he has no intention of playing the supporting role in this story. The headline fighters went face-to-face ahead of their meeting in the cage in nineteen days with PFL MENA General Manager Jerome Mazet keeping them apart.

“It’s going to be great to feel the energy of Coca-Cola Arena on May 24,” said Yahya. “I’ve felt the support of the fans here in the UAE in previous fights, and I’ve attended some of the earlier PFL events in Dubai – the atmosphere is incredible. I’m looking forward to walking out and experiencing that again.”

Saadi added: “I’m preparing for everything as Mohammad Yahya is a very dangerous opponent. I’m doing everything I can to make sure there are no surprises inside that cage.”

Also in attendance was the UAE’s rising star Zamzam Al Hammadi (2-0 AM), who spoke to media ahead of her highly anticipated PFL MENA debut. At just 18 years old, Al Hammadi is the UAE’s first female MMA fighter to compete on a major regional promotion and arrives with championship titles in both MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

“I want to show the world what UAE women are capable of – especially as this is the first time an Emirati woman has appeared on this stage,” said Al Hammadi. “I want to prove what we can do and make sure the world knows the name Zamzam Al Hammadi.”

Lightweight contender Mohammad Fahmi (6-1) rounded out the afternoon, competing in his second PFL MENA tournament. He reflected on the lessons learned from his first campaign and the statement he intends to make in the Lightweight Quarterfinal.

PFL MENA: Pride of Arabia will feature athletes representing eleven nations across the Middle East and North Africa, with Featherweight and Lightweight Tournament Quarterfinals set to determine who advances in the 2026 PFL MENA season. The card will be broadcast live on Starzplay across the MENA region. Tickets are on sale now via coca-cola-arena.com.

“We’ve scheduled this event for 4pm on a Sunday afternoon because we want everybody to come and for it to be a celebration of Dubai – a celebration of all the communities that live here,” said Jerome Mazet.

“We have 11 nationalities represented on this card, and we know all those communities are represented here in the UAE. After everything that has happened recently, let’s take a moment to celebrate together with four to five hours of entertainment starting from just 35 AED. If you’ve never seen an MMA event, you will remember the sound – mark my words on this one – and the electric atmosphere.”