Petr Yan admits ‘new coaching team needs to be created’ to regain contender status

After a rough patch over the past three years, Yan is looking to return in 2024 with a new team that will generate positive change.

We haven’t heard much from former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Bantamweight champion, Petr Yan, since he was forced to withdraw from UFC Vegas 83’s main event against Song Yadong on Dec. 9, 2023. Now, in a new interview from XTRA MMA, “No Mercy” gives an update on how he’s doing and when we might see him next.

“The health is great,” he said without elaborating on the most recent injury. “There’s no preparation at this moment. Yes, I am ready. I’m waiting for the information [from UFC]. I plan on fighting in March at UFC 299 ... I’d like it to be someone from the Top 10. It depends on the promotion, who they will choose. If they decide they want to make a particular fight, they’ll do all they can to make it happen.”

It’s been a tough past few years for Yan, who ended 2020 with the 135-pound title and a 15-1 record. Since then, he’s gone 1-4 and is currently on a three-fight losing streak. Merab Dvalishvili blanked him 50-45x3 in his last fight.

Things need to change ... and Yan sounded like he was ready to seek out a new team.

“I know I should,” he said. “I should try to modernize my training camp in some way, my coaching team. Change something, implement something new, correct some things. I’ll try to make that happen so you can see some changes in the future.

“It’s people, it’s sparring partners, coaching staff, it’s team that’s the most important thing,” Yan continued. “The new coaching team needs to be created, formed rather. The team I’ll be preparing with, that will be there with me at the arena, etc.”

All the defeats may be tough, but they come to the absolute best at Bantamweight. After Sean O’Malley beat Yan via controversial split decision, he went on to take the title from Aljamain Sterling.

Yan gave “Suga” some credit for that.

“You can see he’s progressed mentally,” Yan said. “He’s such a guy, he believes in his kung-fu. All his constant feints, unorthodox striking, you know ... he really trains it, he believes in himself. No one will believe in you like you believe in yourself, in your specific moves. But he really believes in himself with it. And you see, it worked for him. So what can you say here, it’s hard to call it luck.”

We’d still like to believe Yan’s just been going through some bad luck, which could turn around the next time he steps into the cage. Keep it locked to MMAmania.com for news on “No Mercy” and his next fight as soon as it’s announced.

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