Petr Yan Bio
Petr Evgenyevich Yan is a Russian professional mixed martial artist born on February 11, 1993, in Dudinka, Russia. He competes in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is a former UFC Bantamweight Champion. Yan is recognized for his diverse fighting skills and has earned a reputation as one of the top fighters in his weight class.
Early Life and Background
Petr Yan was born in Dudinka, Taymyr Autonomous Okrug, Russia, to a father of mixed Chinese and Georgian-Russian descent and a Russian mother. From a young age, Yan was involved in martial arts, beginning ITF taekwondo training in sixth grade. His early life was marked by frequent moves due to his involvement in street fights and school altercations. Inspired by his older brother, who trained in boxing, Yan secretly followed him to boxing training sessions and eventually trained in boxing for eight years, achieving the rank of Master of Sport in boxing in the 64 kg weight category.
Yan graduated from Siberian Federal University in Omsk with a degree in Physical Culture and Sport, further solidifying his foundation in athletic performance and training.
Path to MMA
Yan transitioned from boxing to mixed martial arts, beginning his professional MMA career in 2014. He debuted at the Eurasian Fighting Championship – Baikal Fight, winning by knockout. Yan quickly gained attention in the Russian MMA scene and signed with Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB) in 2015. There, he earned the ACB Bantamweight Championship and built a strong record, showcasing his striking and grappling abilities.
His success in ACB paved the way for his entry into the UFC in 2018, where he continued to rise through the bantamweight ranks, demonstrating his skill set and competitive spirit.
Petr Yan Career
Early Career (2014–2017)
Yan began his professional MMA career in 2014 with a knockout victory in his debut fight. In 2015, he signed with Absolute Championship Berkut, where he faced experienced fighters and quickly made a name for himself. Yan’s early career was marked by decisive wins, including a first-round submission and knockout victories. Despite a split decision loss to Magomed Magomedov in 2016, Yan avenged this defeat in a rematch in 2017, capturing the ACB Bantamweight Championship and defending it successfully.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2018–Present)
Yan signed with the UFC in January 2018 and made an immediate impact with a first-round technical knockout victory in his promotional debut. Over the next few years, he secured multiple wins against top contenders, including technical knockouts and unanimous decisions. Yan earned Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses, highlighting his exciting fighting style.
In July 2020, Yan won the vacant UFC Bantamweight Championship by defeating José Aldo via technical knockout. He defended the title until March 2021, when he lost it by disqualification due to an illegal knee against Aljamain Sterling. Yan continued to compete at the highest level, engaging in notable bouts including a rematch with Sterling and fights against top-ranked opponents such as Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili.
Despite injuries, Yan has demonstrated resilience, winning key fights in 2024 and 2025, maintaining his status as a top bantamweight contender with upcoming championship opportunities.
Current Team Era (Tiger Muay Thai, Archangel Michael Fight Club, American Top Team) (Present)
Yan trains with prominent teams including Tiger Muay Thai, Archangel Michael Fight Club, and American Top Team. These affiliations have supported his development in striking, grappling, and overall fight strategy. Yan’s current training environment emphasizes a well-rounded skill set and tactical preparation for elite competition in the UFC bantamweight division.
Driving Style and Strengths
Petr Yan is known for his aggressive striking, precise boxing skills, and strong grappling defense. His background in boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he holds a blue belt, contributes to his versatile approach. Yan effectively combines pressure fighting with technical prowess, often controlling the pace and range of his bouts. His strategic mindset and conditioning allow him to maintain high output throughout fights.
Notable Events and Milestones
Yan’s career milestones include winning the UFC Bantamweight Championship and defending it successfully until a rare disqualification loss. His bouts have earned multiple Fight of the Night honors, and his victory over José Aldo marked a defining moment. Yan has also been involved in some of the most talked-about fights in the division, including controversial decisions and high-stakes rematches.
Petr Yan Career Wins
Throughout his professional MMA career, Petr Yan has amassed 19 wins out of 24 fights. His victories include knockouts, submissions, and decisions, reflecting his all-around fighting capabilities. Yan’s record highlights his success across different promotions and his rise to championship status in the UFC.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
In the UFC, Yan has secured numerous wins, including his first-round technical knockout debut and his championship-winning performance against José Aldo. He has earned Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night awards, underscoring his exciting and effective fighting style. Yan’s recent wins in 2024 and 2025 have kept him in title contention, with a scheduled rematch for the bantamweight championship later in 2025.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the UFC, Yan was the Absolute Championship Berkut Bantamweight Champion, successfully defending his title and earning recognition in the Russian MMA circuit. His early career victories laid the foundation for his transition to the global stage.
Petr Yan Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Petr Yan comes from a diverse ethnic background with a father of mixed Chinese and Georgian-Russian descent and a Russian mother. His family’s support and his brother’s influence were significant in his early martial arts development.
Personal Life
Yan is married to Julia Yan, and the couple has two sons. He resides in Yekaterinburg, Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia. Yan has publicly expressed hopes for peace during geopolitical conflicts, reflecting his personal values beyond the sport.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Petr Yan has continued to perform at a high level, securing unanimous decision victories and maintaining his position as a top contender in the UFC bantamweight division. Despite injuries, Yan has shown resilience and adaptability in his fights. He is scheduled to compete in a bantamweight championship rematch against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 323 in December 2025, aiming to reclaim the title and solidify his legacy.