Watching Rani Yahya put on yet another grappling clinic this past Saturday, you probably couldn’t tell just the type of sacrifice that had gone into making it up to the octagon in the first place.

But then, shortly after a third-round armbar submission win over Russell Doane (15-8 MMA, 3-5 UFC), Yahya’s (25-9 MMA, 10-3 UFC) short-but-sweet speech told a tragic story.

“Mom, wherever you are, I love you,” Yahya said in Portuguese. “You were the best mom in the world. Thank you for everything.”

There’s isn’t really ever a good time for these things. But, in Yahya’s case, it was particularly unfortunate: His mom died a mere 11 days before UFC on FOX 28. No one would have faulted Yahya had he decided not to fight that night. But, instead, the Brazilian decided going on with the bout was the best way to honor her memory.

Yahya, as we know, got a victory to show for his efforts. But it took overcoming heavy hurdles, both emotional and physical, at a time when most fighters’ primary concerns are controlling their liquid intake and fine-tuning the final bits of their strategies.

“My mother was sick with lupus for over 30 years,” Yahya told MMAjunkie. “The illness started attacking her internal organs. It attacked her kidneys. She eventually had to be intubated at an intensive-care unit, prior to passing away. I had gone to (American Top Team) four weeks ahead to finish out my fight camp. As soon as my fight had been booked, I got my travel documents in order, and hopped on a flight (to the U.S.).

“After I arrived, I was told my mother was in the ICU with a few days left to live. So I returned (to Brazil) to say goodbye. During my visit, I was told there was a chance she might improve. I felt better about things and went back to ATT for one more week.”

In Florida, Yahya got the call that let him know his mother had died. So he hopped on a plane to Brazil once more, this time for an even sadder reason than before.

“It’s our cross to bear, to be at our mother’s burial,” Yahya said. “It was madness – to go through all that while still cutting weight, and training for my fight. I never stopped training. I trained twice a day. It was exhausting. I arrived back at ATT in the morning, after flying in from Brazil.

“I had a sparring session right away. My coach didn’t give me a break. I spent the sparring session trying not to vomit. It was pointless. My confidence was gone. My coaches talked to me and explained that it was normal. So, little by little, I regained my confidence.”

That confidence was on full display on Saturday, when Yahya earned the 19th submission win of his career. Now, with seven submission wins in his combined UFC and WEC records, Yahya is tied with Urijah Faber for most in divisional history.

After the fight, which meant a second straight win after a loss to Joe Soto that snapped a four-fight winning streak, Yahya talked about his desire to square off against some of his fellow bantamweight notables: the retired Faber, himself, and Bryan Caraway.

Speaking to MMAjunkie a couple of days later, though, he had two other names to – respectfully, as usual – add to his wishlist.

“I told Sean (Shelby, UFC matchmaker), right after Brian Kelleher fought Renan Barao, that a new matchup was already made,” Yahya said. “He wouldn’t have to try too hard. Brian Kelleher against me would be a great fight. I had been training with Renan Barao at ATT. We developed a friendship. It was hard for me to see that fight. Brian won, and he deserved it. He was impressive and fought very well. So, Brian is a guy I’d love to face.”

“(…) Ultimately, I want to fight someone in the top 10, or even top five. Last year, I was supposed to fight Aljamain Sterling, but I got hurt. I’d love that fight too. I’d like to show my full potential against those great fighters.”

For complete coverage of UFC on FOX 28, check out the UFC Events section of the site.

The Blue Corner is MMAjunkie‘s official blog and is edited by Mike Bohn.