Aljamain Sterling has offered a vivid analysis of Petr Yan’s fighting approach, comparing the former bantamweight champion’s persistence to that of an iconic horror figure. This comparison comes as Yan continues to build momentum with three consecutive wins after earlier setbacks in his UFC career at 135 pounds.
Yan’s latest victory occurred at UFC Abu Dhabi, where he secured a decision win over Marcus McGhee, extending his 2024 winning streak that includes notable triumphs against Song Yadong and Deiveson Figueiredo. Sterling, who has faced Yan twice inside the Octagon, shared his insights into why Yan is such a formidable opponent.
The two bouts between Sterling and Yan were intense and competitive. Yan’s initial win was overturned due to an illegal knee, but Sterling edged out Yan on the scorecards in their rematch. Despite moving away from the bantamweight division, Sterling remains invested in the 135-pound landscape and recognizes Yan’s evolution since their encounters.
On his YouTube show, The Weekly Scraps, Sterling likened facing Yan to confronting Jason Voorhees from the Friday the 13th series, highlighting Yan’s relentless forward pressure.
“Yan is just here the whole time, going forward,”
Sterling explained.
“You can hit him as much as you want, but then if you give him an opening where he can land a clean shot…he finds it over and over again with these guys. A guy like that, you’ve gotta knock him the f— out.”
He further noted Yan’s mindset inside the cage:
“I think Petr makes this decision every time he steps out there, ‘I’m gonna constantly go forward, I’m gonna walk you down, I’m gonna put these punches in your face, and when I land, I’m gonna make sure I’m landing with impact and some kind of authority.’”
Sterling underscored Yan’s toughness and confidence in his defense as key factors that separate him from other fighters.
“He’s willing to put his chin on the line. I think that’s the most impressive thing about him,”
Sterling said.
“He trusts that his defense is gonna be able to hold up so that he can land a better shot than you can. That is the difference.”
Reinforcing the analogy, he added:
“What would you do with this Terminator machine, Jason Voorhees, just walking you down, and every time he punches you, he just comes forward? … If you can’t neutralize him, he’s getting back up and he’s gonna be the boogeyman walking you down.”
From rivalry to respect: Sterling extends wedding invite to Yan
Once locked in fierce competition, Sterling and Yan’s relationship has softened over time. After their two hard-fought battles, the former rivals have demonstrated a newfound camaraderie in recent months.
Earlier this year, the pair shared a friendly sparring session while coaching opponents on the Alf Global reality series in Thailand, signaling a mutual respect that was absent during their fight days.
Sterling’s warmth toward Yan even led to an unexpected gesture—a wedding invitation.
“I said, brother, come to the wedding,”
Sterling revealed on his podcast.
“He said, ‘If I’m in the states, I will come.’”
This shift reflects how competition in the UFC can evolve into respect and friendship as fighters move past their in-cage conflicts.
The significance of Sterling’s observations and Yan’s resurgence
Sterling’s description of Yan as the “boogeyman walking you down” encapsulates the Russian’s relentless approach that has made him a challenging opponent to overcome. Yan’s ability to absorb strikes, maintain pressure, and capitalize on openings has propelled his recent comeback, reestablishing him as a top contender in the bantamweight division.
The comparison to a horror icon resonates because it conveys the psychological and physical toll Yan enforces on his adversaries, suggesting opponents face a near-unstoppable force once he gets moving forward. Sterling’s commentary provides fans and analysts with a clearer understanding of why Yan’s fighting style is so effective and difficult to neutralize.
Looking ahead, if Yan continues this form, the bantamweight title picture could soon be reshaped, challenging current champions and contenders alike. Sterling’s respectful nod and ongoing attention to Yan’s progression underscore how former rivals remain key voices in the evolving narrative of the UFC’s competitive landscape.