Petr Yan, the former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bantamweight title holder, is looking forward to initiating a comeback after a string of disappointing performances. Yan, who remained undefeated in the promotional run, faced a disqualification title loss against Aljamain Sterling in 2021. Despite managing to bounce back with a win over Corey Sandhagen, Yan struggled to regain his full momentum. His issues were magnified as he was defeated in three consecutive fights and experienced a unanimous decision loss against Merab Dvalishvili in his last outing at UFC Fight Night 221.
However, the former champ is not letting his losing streak deter him. An undisclosed injury forced him out of a rumored headlining bout against Yadong Song on Dec. 9, 2021. Regardless, Yan is confident about his health and his imminent return to the UFC competition. He is eagerly awaiting for the UFC management’s confirmation about his return but he is ready. “The health is great,” he told XTRA MMA. He is all set for his return and is planning on fighting in March at UFC 299. Yan is eyeing someone from the top 10 as his rival, but understands the final decision lies with the promotion.
Yan also revealed his plans to revolutionize his team or perhaps start a new one to revitalize his position in the bantamweight title picture. “I know I should,” he expressed. Yan is keen on modernizing his camp and coaching team, implementing new strategies, and rectifying his previous issues. He believes that a new coaching team needs to be formed, a group with whom he can prepare and who can accompany him at the arena. His focus lies in bringing changes to the people around him, including his sparring partners and coaching staff, to stay competitive in the UFC. His ultimate goal seems to be a come-back and he wants to ensure he leaves no stone unturned to ensure this happen.