UFC 299, the promotion’s last PPV event in Miami, featured two high-profile bantamweight bouts in the main event. The main card opener showcased an exciting fight between Song Yadong and Petr Yan, while the PPV main event was a title fight between Sean O’Malley and Marlon Vera.
Despite Yan and Vera experiencing different outcomes at the Kaseya Center in Miami, reports speculate about a potential bout between the two. Now the question is, will Vera rebound with a victory, or will Yan continue his winning ways?
Petr Yan talks on possible Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera bout
Petr Yan overcame a very tough Song Yadong via unanimous decision even though he injured his foot, per MMA Fighting, in the opening round. Now, Yan has set his sights on the recent bantamweight title challenger, Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera.
“Do I want to fight Marlon Vera? Yes, I’ll be ready by November. Of course I’ll do it. I’ll take him to a mixed martial arts school,” said Yan in a recent interview. Yan went on to state that Vera will suffer the same fate as Song Yadong.
Yan is currently undergoing rehabilitation after surgery on his knee and leg but confirmed that an October or November date would suit him. The UFC typically hosts the October PPV event in Abu Dhabi and the November one at Madison Square Garden.
If the match indeed comes to fruition, it will likely be in October in Abu Dhabi, possibly at UFC 307. Yan has already fought three times at the Emirates: at UFC 251, UFC 267, and UFC 280. However, he only secured a victory at UFC 267 against Cory Sandhagen.
At UFC 251, Yan lost the bantamweight title to Aljamain Sterling via disqualification. Moreover, at UFC 280, he lost to Sean O’Malley via split decision in a fight in which many believed he won 2 rounds to 1.
Can Petr Yan call for title shot with Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera win?
Petr Yan was a dangerous contender when he entered the UFC. However, prior to his victory against Song Yadong at UFC 299, he was on a three-fight losing streak. Additionally, he had only secured one win in his past five fights.
Therefore, it is highly unlikely that he will receive a title shot if he defeats Marlon Vera. While Yan could potentially call for a title shot against Sean O’Malley as their first fight was extremely close, O’Malley already has contenders lined up in the form of Merab Dvalishvili and Cory Sandhagen.
Moreover, O’Malley has sights on Ilia Topuria’s featherweight title as well. Furthermore, Yan’s devastating loss to Merab Dvalishvili does not make his case any easier either. Even though he had a victory over Sandhagen, the American was a short-notice replacement.
Yan’s path to a title shot would require two victories. First, he has to get through Vera. Afterward, he would likely have to face the loser of the potential fight between Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov.
Jose Aldo announced his comeback from retirement with a fight against Jonathan Martinez at UFC 301. Yan could also target the winner of the bout as well. If Sandhagen is victorious against Nurmagomedov, he will likely get the next title shot after Dvalishvili.
As of now, Merab Dvalishvili is next for O’Malley, followed by the winner of Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov. Sandhagen had earlier called out O’Malley after his victory over Rob Font at Nashville UFC. Therefore, Petr Yan could only get a title shot in mid or late 2025; that is only if continues to win.
Do you think Petr Yan will become a UFC champion again? Leave your thoughts below!
