Rani Yahya Explains the Importance of Fan Support for His Win at UFC Fight Night 95

UFC fighter Rani Yahya spoke with reporters in a post-fight media scrum (via MMAjunkie) after his win over Michinori Tanaka at UFC Fight Night 95. Below are some highlights from the scrum.

Yahya’s thoughts on his performance: “I wanted to have a better performance, a better way to win to my fans in Brasilia. They did carry me in this fight. They were screaming all the time. I wanted to finish, to celebrate better. After this performance, I don’t think I’m in the position to ask for anybody. I have to come back better, stronger, have a better performance and then ask for something. I’m just going to accept the next challenge the UFC is going to give me, doesn’t matter if it’s the top-15 or whoever it is, I feel that I need to have a better performance.”

His thoughts on Tanaka escaping from the choke in the first round: “He surprised me right on the first round, when he didn’t tap on the choke. I spent so much energy on that choke. My arm was numb after that. Maybe that was a mistake on technique, on the choke, and definitely a strategy mistake. I was planning on exchanging more punches, but on the second round I was so tired from the choke that I started auto pilot mode. I had an injury in my neck three weeks ago that also had some influence on the fight. My neck is completely sore. I can’t even turn to the sides now. I want to treat that.”