Petr Yan is regaining momentum after a series of impressive wins, most recently at UFC on ABC 9 in Abu Dhabi, marking his third consecutive victory. This resurgence places Yan back into title contention, not only in the bantamweight division but potentially in featherweight as well, sparking speculation about a showdown with Ilia Topuria. The prospect of an Ilia Topuria Petr Yan fight has drawn significant attention from fans and fighters alike, including former champion Aljamain Sterling.
Yan’s Winning Streak and Featherweight Ambitions
Yan, known for his technical striking and resilience, is proving a formidable competitor on his current streak. While defending his position at bantamweight, the possibility of moving up to featherweight is gaining traction, especially with the UFC 320 pay-per-view approaching where the featherweight title will be contested. If Cory Sandhagen, the No. 4-ranked contender set to challenge for the featherweight title, wins, Yan could be next in line to face him, as suggested by some in the division.
Aljamain Sterling, a former rival of Yan and an accomplished featherweight himself, has expressed strong interest in seeing Yan test his skills at 145 pounds against Topuria, whose striking is equally formidable. Sterling’s insight stems from his close observation of both fighters’ styles and capabilities.
You know what would be a great fight? Ilia Topuria vs. Petr Yan…That would be a crazy fight…[I am] Really, really…actually intrigued by how that would actually go; [Like] If they were the same size pound for pound type of thing… But even now, let’s say, Yan went up to 45 and Ilia stayed at 45. That’s just a unique fight in terms of the styles. Like, Ilia, yeah, he’s a power puncher, he’s looking to put you out…But Yan is so efficient with everything.
—Aljamain Sterling on ‘The Weekly Scraps’ Podcast (@FunkMasterUFC) for his YT Channel
Topuria’s Career Moves and Position at Featherweight
Ilia Topuria’s recent career path shows a move away from featherweight towards lightweight, reflecting his evolving strategy and ambition. After relinquishing his claim to the featherweight title, Topuria successfully captured the vacant lightweight championship at UFC 317. This shift has solidified his presence in the 155-pound division, reducing the likelihood of him returning to featherweight any time soon.
Before this transition, Topuria considered even moving up to welterweight to engage in high-profile matchups such as a pound-for-pound clash with former lightweight champ Islam Makhachev. However, the reigning dominance of fighters like Makhachev and Yan creates a challenging environment for any contender seeking to break through at featherweight.
The History and Potential of a Topuria-Yan Matchup
Discussions about matching Topuria and Yan have circulated for years. Both fighters share similar physical traits, notably Topuria standing 5’7”, comparable to Yan’s stature. Although a potential fight between them was nearly arranged in 2018, Topuria ultimately faced Jin Soo Son at UFC Fight Night instead. Despite the absence of a direct contest so far, the contrast in their styles—Topuria’s power punching versus Yan’s efficient striking—promises a compelling fight should it materialize.
Sterling’s interest in this fight goes beyond a mere stylistic curiosity. As a former rival to Yan and a featherweight contender himself, Sterling’s endorsement adds weight to the possibility of this matchup being a defining featherweight test.
Former Champion Extends Invitation to Longtime Rival
Beyond the cage, the relationship between Sterling and Yan has evolved significantly. Having fought twice with contentious outcomes—Yan’s disqualification in their first meeting when the bantamweight title was on the line, followed by Sterling’s split decision victory in their second bout—the fighters are now on friendlier terms. Sterling recently invited Yan to his wedding, showing a personal respect despite their competitive history.
“I said, brother, come to the wedding…[Then] He said, if I’m in the states, I will come.”
Sterling shared about the invitation, highlighting the cordial nature that has emerged since Yan’s recent fights.
Sterling and his partner, Rebecca Cruz, initially marked their union quietly in 2021, but the formal wedding ceremony is scheduled for October 5th, shortly after Merab Dvalishvili’s next title defense. Sterling also plans to invite UFC CEO Dana White and chief business officer Hunter Campbell, emphasizing the event’s significance within the UFC community.
Implications for the UFC Featherweight Division
The renewed prominence of Petr Yan and the established rise of Ilia Topuria signal an intense period ahead for the featherweight division. With the UFC 320 event set to crown a new featherweight champion, the division’s landscape appears primed for high-stakes matchups. Should Yan move up, a potential fight against Topuria could redefine rankings and generate significant fan interest given their contrasting yet effective fighting styles.
Aljamain Sterling’s perspective, as both a competitor and insider, suggests the Topuria versus Yan fight would not only be a thrilling spectacle but also a formidable test for either athlete’s standing in the division. As the UFC continues to build toward these encounters, fans can expect a tense and unpredictable lead-up to future championship battles in the featherweight category.