Rani Yahya: ‘Reckless’ Johnny Bedford a ‘perfect match-up’ at UFC Fight Night 51

BRASILIA, Brazil — Rani Yahya and Johnny Beford will meet again on Saturday night, and the Brazilian will be fighting in his hometown this time.

Yahya and Bedford fought to a no-contest earlier this year in Abu Dhabi, but the bout ended without a winner when the grappling wizard went out after an unintentional headbutt. Bedford went after the Brazilian when the no-contest was announced, and it lit a fire under Yahya’s butt.

“It helped me a lot during my training camp,” Yahya told MMAFighting.com. “I was more motivated to train for this fight. I’m better physically and mentally. I’m in my best shape ever.”

Always cool and quiet, Yahya won’t change his approach because of that, though.

“It bothered me that day, but I forgave him. I don’t take this stuff inside the Octagon,” he said. “I’m going in there to work. He apologized to me after the fight, but even if he hadn’t, I wouldn’t care about it. I won’t lose my temper during the fight.”

Yahya-Bedford lasted only 39 seconds, but lasted long enough to add more information to Yahya’s gameplan.

“The fight ended quickly, but it was enough to see a few things about his game,” he said. “I’m studying and training for him since the beginning of the year, so it was easier to get ready for this fight and set a new strategy.”

“This fight is the continuation of the first one,” he added. “That fight didn’t end. And fighting this time at my hometown helps me a lot.”

Nine of Bedford’s 11 professional losses came by way of submission, and a decorated grappler like Yahya, with multiple world titles, wants to make it ten on Saturday night’s show at the Nilson Nelson gymnasium.

“It’s a perfect match-up. He’s aggressive, but he’s also a bit reckless, so that’s perfect for me,” he said. “I will surprise him. I see some openings in his game. He was submitted several times before, and I will work to finish him.”

BRASILIA, Brazil — Rani Yahya and Johnny Beford will meet again on Saturday night, and the Brazilian will be fighting in his hometown this time.

Yahya and Bedford fought to a no-contest earlier this year in Abu Dhabi, but the bout ended without a winner when the grappling wizard went out after an unintentional headbutt. Bedford went after the Brazilian when the no-contest was announced, and it lit a fire under Yahya’s butt.

“It helped me a lot during my training camp,” Yahya told MMAFighting.com. “I was more motivated to train for this fight. I’m better physically and mentally. I’m in my best shape ever.”

Always cool and quiet, Yahya won’t change his approach because of that, though.

“It bothered me that day, but I forgave him. I don’t take this stuff inside the Octagon,” he said. “I’m going in there to work. He apologized to me after the fight, but even if he hadn’t, I wouldn’t care about it. I won’t lose my temper during the fight.”

Yahya-Bedford lasted only 39 seconds, but lasted long enough to add more information to Yahya’s gameplan.

“The fight ended quickly, but it was enough to see a few things about his game,” he said. “I’m studying and training for him since the beginning of the year, so it was easier to get ready for this fight and set a new strategy.”

“This fight is the continuation of the first one,” he added. “That fight didn’t end. And fighting this time at my hometown helps me a lot.”

Nine of Bedford’s 11 professional losses came by way of submission, and a decorated grappler like Yahya, with multiple world titles, wants to make it ten on Saturday night’s show at the Nilson Nelson gymnasium.

“It’s a perfect match-up. He’s aggressive, but he’s also a bit reckless, so that’s perfect for me,” he said. “I will surprise him. I see some openings in his game. He was submitted several times before, and I will work to finish him.”