UFC on ESPN 28: Rani Yahya aims to break UFC bantamweight submission record against Kyung Ho Kang

Rani Yahya wants to become the sole possessor for most submissions in UFC bantamweight history.

Yahya (27-10-1 MMA, 12-4-1 UFC) currently is tied with multi-time title challenger Urijah Faber at six and wants to pass him when he squares off with Kyung Ho Kang (17-8 MMA, 6-2 UFC) at UFC on ESPN 28 on Saturday.

“I dreamed of being featured in the world’s greatest fighting organization,” Yahya told MMA Junkie. “That’s where I am today. I’m coming off a win. Of course, I’ve visualized myself eventually becoming champion. It hasn’t happened yet. There have been ups and downs. I feel happy to still be here after so many years, considering the fast evolution of the sport. I’m happy that I’m still able to evolve and keep up with the high level in the UFC. I’m happy about that. I feel I’m doing the right things. I hold the record of most submissions at bantamweight (tied with Urijah Faber) and I plan to keep moving in that direction. I want to continue breaking records.

“I’ve been fighting professionally since 2002. I’ve managed to stay in the game because every day I put myself in the position of a student. I’m always open to learning something new. There are difficult and long days during training camp. But I persevere. In some ways, I feel my career is just starting. Ho Kang should watch out. I’m fighting for all the fans who appreciate jiu-jitsu in MMA.”

Yahya was able to get back to the win column when he submitted Ray Rodriguez in the second round at UFC Fight Night 187 in March. Although his next opponent, Kang, is well versed on the ground with 11 submissions to his name, ADCC world champion Yahya sees himself as the bigger threat on the ground.

“He’s very good, no doubt,” Yahya said. “He’s good at scrambles. He stays in great shape. But I consider myself to be more dangerous, since I have a greater capacity to get a finish. He enjoys ground fighting, which is my specialty. I know that he’s good at getting takedowns, controlling from the top, and winning by points.

“I have to keep that in mind. He knows how to win rounds in the eyes of the judges. I feel that since I’m more experienced and dangerous on the ground, that’s where I’ll have an advantage. His best chance to win is to take me down and stall for time. But I’m ready for that. Fifteen minutes is a long time. The advantage always goes to the more dangerous fighter when facing a scrambler.”