Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at the latest Russian fighter to head to the UFC as Petr Yan makes his UFC debut against Teruto Ishihara.
Petr Yan
Hometown: Dundika, Russia
Age: 25
Height: 5’7”
Reach: –
Weight Class: Bantamweight
Camp: Tiger Muay Thai
Career Record: 8-1
Key Wins: Magomed Magomedov
Key Losses: Magomed Magomedov
Background The former ACB Bantamweight Champion started training in martial arts in sixth grade with taekwondo before eventually moving on to boxing eventually becoming an International Master of Sport in Boxing. Yan has lost only one time in his MMA career, but avenged that loss when he beat Magomed Magomedov in their rematch in April 2017.
Strengths
- Aggressive striker
- Controls the cage so well
- Beautifully combines punches and kicks
- Constantly improving
- Scrambles well
- Strikes well in the clinch
Weaknesses
- Hittable on the feet
- Defensive wrestling is a question mark
Fighter Grade
Offensive Striking: B-
Striking Defense: D+
Knockout Power: C+
Athleticism/Speed: B-
Footwork: C+
Chin: C
Offensive Wrestling: C-
Takedown Defense: D+
Submissions: D-
Conditioning: C
Intangibles: C
Overall Grade: C
Matchup with Teruto Ishihara Petr Yan makes his highly anticipated UFC debut when he takes on Teruto Ishihara. This is a good matchup for Yan for his UFC debut. Ishihara has good pop in his hands, but he’s hittable and doesn’t have anywhere near the array of tools that Yan has. The combination work of Yan should be evident from the opening bell as his volume should add up over the course of the bout. Despite Ishihara working on his ground game, that advantage also goes to Yan. The Russian fighter can defend Ishihara’s takedown attempts and if it does go to the ground, Yan has a more advanced submission game. Ishihara has proven to be a tough guy to finish, so I expect this fight to go to the distance with Yan winning a clear decision on all scorecards. While it’s close to even money, Yan by decision still isn’t worth a play given his variety in the attack. It wouldn’t be a total surprise if he gets a finish despite Ishihara’s toughness.
UFC Ceiling Petr Yan is a really intriguing prospect in the bantamweight division. He has a well-rounded skillset highlighted by excellent combination work on the feet. He’s already been tested in ACB and is a fighter I expect to become a top 15 bantamweight in the UFC in the relatively near future.
Fight Film Check out Petr Yan in some of his most recent fights:
Petr Yan vs. Magomed Magomedov
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOkjX0K2Gdg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzdZHBGtMTk
