Steven Nguyen Sets UFC Record with 6 Knockdowns at Abu Dhabi Fight Night

By Ali Hammad July 29, 2025 10:38

The UFC made history at Abu Dhabi Fight Night on July 26, 2025, when Steven Nguyen delivered an unprecedented performance, setting a new UFC record with six official knockdowns in a single bout. Nguyen’s relentless striking and precision overwhelmed his opponent, Mohammad Yahya, forcing the referee to call the fight off after the second round due to repeated knockdowns and visible damage. This spectacular finish quickly became one of the most talked-about moments in recent MMA history.

Nguyen, fighting at featherweight for Fortis MMA, stunned fans and experts alike with his punishing accuracy and pace. He knocked Yahya down an extraordinary six times during the bout five times just in the opening round alone including a knockdown within the first 10 seconds of the fight. The barrage of significant strikes, totaling nearly 60, left Yahya with a severely swollen left eye by the end of round two, prompting the ringside doctor’s intervention and stoppage between rounds. Despite the punishment, Yahya displayed tremendous heart, refusing to quit until the fight was halted .

In the post-fight interview, Nguyen spoke about his tactical patience and explosive power. “My coaches told me to be patient and wait for the right moments,” Nguyen explained. “I knew I was faster and more explosive, so I timed my strikes carefully. It felt amazing breaking the UFC knockdown record and doing it in Abu Dhabi a place I really respect and enjoy fighting in.” He also acknowledged Yahya’s toughness: “He came to fight, gave it his all, and I have a lot of respect for him.” Nguyen’s methodical yet aggressive style showcased his maturation as a fighter after previous setbacks and multiple appearances on Dana White’s Contender Series.

The UFC’s previous record for most knockdowns in a single fight stood at five. Fighters like Jeremy Stephens and Amanda Nunes had notable knockdown tallies in prior bouts, but Nguyen’s six knockdowns now put him at the top across all weight classes. UFC executives, including Dave Shaw, weighed in on the context of such records, emphasizing entertainment and fighter safety. Shaw remarked at the post-event press conference, “We’ve seen fights with multiple knockdowns before that remain competitive and entertaining. While the ref’s stoppage was debated, we want fighters protected but also want to preserve exciting bouts.” Nguyen’s fight sparked renewed discussions about whether UFC should adopt a three-knockdown rule similar to boxing, but no change is expected soon.

Referee Jason Herzog faced criticism for not stopping the fight sooner, as many felt Yahya was taking excessive damage. Herzog, however, is known for giving fighters every possible chance and is regarded as a conscientious official. The UFC medical team promptly cleared Yahya post-fight, alleviating concerns about his health.

Statistically, Nguyen’s fight was a dominance clinic: landing 59 significant strikes, six knockdowns, and finishing the contest in under 10 minutes. His tactical approach combined speed, precision, and power, which overwhelmed a resilient opponent. This performance earned Nguyen the coveted "Performance of the Night" bonus alongside other standout fighters on the Abu Dhabi card, further solidifying his rising status in the featherweight division.

Steven Nguyen’s record-setting six knockdowns at UFC Abu Dhabi Fight Night established him as a formidable force in the UFC featherweight ranks. His patient yet aggressive striking dismantled Mohammad Yahya in spectacular fashion, thrilling fans and igniting conversations about fight stoppages and judging standards. Nguyen’s composure and power offer a promising future as he builds toward higher-profile matchups. As he reflected, “I’m going back to the gym to get better and ready for whatever comes next.” This historic performance was a milestone moment that underlines the razor-thin margins and raw excitement that embody the sport of MMA.