Staying power might be
Rani Yahya’s
most admirable calling card.
A two-decade veteran of mixed martial arts, the
American Top Team rep has been presented and accounted for on
the
Ultimate Fighting Championship roster since 2011. Yahya will
draw his latest assignment inside the Octagon when he toes the line
against
Victor
Henry in the featured
UFC on ESPN 55 prelim this Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las
Vegas. He turns 40 in September.
“I always look to have a healthy lifestyle,” Yahya told
Sherdog.com. “I have good habits in my personal life and in
training. Jiu-jitsu is a fight style that allows for more career
longevity. Compared to most fighters in the world who wish to get
into the UFC, I’ve held this position for a long time. I consider
that a form of success. As athletes, we’re never satisfied. We
always want more. I would have liked to have gone further in my
career. In these next few fights, I aim to have results which
exceed what I’ve done previously.”
His tenure in the sport’s premier organization has included its
share of speed bumps, especially of late. Injuries have forced
Yahya out of scheduled matches with
Cody
Garbrandt (twice) and
Heili
Alateng.
“Over the last few years, I’ve had some physical health problems,”
he said. “I had to stop fighting for a while to undergo treatments.
I had an issue with my neck—a hernia. I considered retirement, but
as I was rehabbing, I regained confidence. I felt I could fight
again. At this time in my career, at my age, my goal is to step in
the Octagon [while] doing well in every facet: physical, mental and
emotional. I want to be truly well. Everything needs to be
interacting well, including the spiritual aspect. That’s why I
haven’t fought as frequently.”
Henry, a former
Deep
titleholder, serves as his latest test. The 36-year-old
Josh Barnett
protégé has rattled off 11 wins across his past 14 outings. Henry
last suited up at UFC 294, where his encounter with
Javid
Basharat ended in a painful no contest due to an accidental
kick to the groin in the second round.
“He is very complete,” Yahya said. “I think he tends to prefer
striking. He’s constantly moving. He kicks often. He’s also very
experienced, but there are holes in his game which I plan to
explore. Victor has great stamina, but he does have gaps both
standing and on the ground. On the ground, Victor hasn’t faced
anyone with my caliber. I’m feeling very confident I’ll be the
winner.”
A decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt who struck gold at the
Abu Dhabi Combat Club Submission Fighting World Championships in
2007, Yahya understands he no longer has the benefit of time being
on his side. He wants to accomplish as much as he can with the gas
he has left in the tank.
“It’s been an honor to remain in the sport after so many years,” he
said. “This is my mission and what I love to do.”