As Petr Yan prepares for his upcoming bout at UFC Abu Dhabi, he has expressed interest in acting as a backup contender for the UFC 320 co-main event, which will feature Merab Dvalishvili’s next title defense. This Saturday, Yan will face Marcus McGhee in the Abu Dhabi event’s co-main slot.
Before this matchup was finalized—a decision that puzzled many UFC fans—Yan revealed he was initially promised a title shot but was then instructed to compete against McGhee, also known as ‘The Maniac.’ Recently, UFC president Dana White confirmed that Dvalishvili will defend his bantamweight belt against Cory Sandhagen in the UFC 320 co-headliner.
Background Between Yan and Dvalishvili Spurs Backup Offer
Yan and Merab Dvalishvili met two years ago in a Fight Night main event, where Dvalishvili dominated and eventually secured the 135-pound championship. Since that loss, Yan, nicknamed ‘No Mercy,’ has worked to regain momentum by securing consecutive victories, aiming to continue this streak.
With UFC 320 in sight, Yan openly stated his willingness to be the official backup for the title fight, respecting the organization’s current plans and his recent win over Sandhagen.
I don’t think I should leapfrog anyone, the UFC have their own plans, I already beat Cory Sandhagen… I believe I should fight the winner and if they need someone to be back up for this fight I will accept that offer,
Yan told MMAFighting.
At 32 years old, Yan also mentioned that discussions took place earlier this year about a possible fight against Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC Baku, but the promotion ultimately chose the McGhee matchup.
Yan Recognizes Dvalishvili as the Bantamweight Division’s Best
In recent months, Merab Dvalishvili has garnered increasing acclaim, with many considering him the greatest bantamweight of all time due to his consistent victories. Yan himself acknowledged the Georgian champion’s remarkable achievements in the division.
Yeah, why not, he’s beat almost everyone at the top, and beat deservingly, so you can really say that he is right now the greatest in our division,
Yan said.
Implications for UFC Bantamweight Title Picture
Yan’s readiness to step in as a backup highlights the growing competitiveness of the bantamweight division and his continued desire to reclaim championship status. With Dvalishvili defending against Sandhagen, the potential for Yan to face the winner keeps his title hopes alive. This situation underscores the fluid nature of UFC matchmaking, where fighters must remain prepared for sudden opportunities.