Petr Yan is ready to take over the bantamweight division.
After a perfect 6-0 start to his UFC tenure, Yan will face Jose Aldo for the vacant bantamweight title at UFC 251 at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
With the the division booming and contenders such as Aljamain Sterling, Cody Garbrandt and Sean O’Malley impressing at UFC 250, Yan is looking forward to the upcoming challenges.
“In my opinion, bantamweight is the most exciting division in UFC,” Yan told MMA Junkie through an interpreter. “I’m glad they performed good and represented our division very well. I’m excited to face all top contenders in the future and have belief in myself I will rule this division for a long time.”
Yan (14-1 MMA, 6-0 UFC) was initially slated to headline Saturday’s event in Kazakhstan vs. Marlon Moraes, but with the COVID-19 pandemic and former UFC bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo’s surprise retirement, he ended up with an even bigger opportunity.
While many were critical of the UFC’s choice to place Aldo as one of the title challengers, Yan understands why.
“After Sterling was booked to fight Sandhagaen, I knew it would be either Aldo or (Marlon) Moraes,” Yan said. “I wasn’t surprised that UFC chose Aldo because he was supposed to fight for the title in May, anyway. Right now, I can’t dictate who I want to fight. I’m the challenger for the vacant belt, and I’m taking advantage of this opportunity.”
Despite failing to make good on his 135-pound debut, former UFC featherweight king Aldo (28-6 MMA, 10-5 UFC) proved that he still has what it takes to compete with the best. The weight cut didn’t appear to hinder his performance and Yan is expecting a barnburner come fight night.
“Aldo is a very experienced and well-trained fighter,” Yan said. “He doesn’t make many mistakes. He will be ready to go the full distance. But I believe I have the ability and tools to defeat him. I have no doubt it will be an exciting contest because our styles match up very well.
“I envision this fight will end with my hand being raised. I believe I can defeat every fighter in my division.”
Ahead of UFC bantamweight title shot, Petr Yan confident he'll rule division for long time