Former bantamweight champion Petr Yan is officially set to return to the Octagon this summer. He will face Marcus McGhee at UFC on ABC 9, scheduled for July 26 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
This matchup marks Yan’s first fight in 2025 and comes after a much-needed rebound in his last bout. The Russian striker last competed in March, where he delivered a dominant performance against Song Yadong, reminding fans why he once held UFC gold. Prior to that, he snapped a three-fight skid by outclassing Deiveson Figueiredo.
A Risky Leap for Marcus McGhee
McGhee, currently unranked in the top 10, is stepping into the biggest opportunity of his career. The Arizona native is riding a four-fight win streak in the UFC, including a second-round TKO over Jonathan Martinez earlier this year. Known for his explosive style and aggressive pace, McGhee has impressed with back-to-back finishes, but this will be his first test against an elite-level veteran.
Fan Reactions Mixed on Matchmaking
The announcement sparked mixed reactions among MMA fans. While some are excited about the clash of styles, others questioned the logic of booking a former champion against a rising but relatively untested contender. The rankings gap between the two fighters has been a talking point, but the UFC is clearly betting on action over resume.
Stylistically, the fight promises fireworks. Yan’s technical precision and durability will be tested against McGhee’s speed and knockout power. With both fighters known for keeping a high pace, the bantamweight division could witness another thrilling battle that shakes up the rankings.
A Crucial Fight for Yan’s Future
For Petr Yan, a win is essential to remain in title contention. Once considered the most complete fighter at 135 pounds, he’s now looking to build momentum and prove that he still belongs among the division’s elite. A loss, however, could set him back significantly in a stacked weight class filled with hungry challengers.
The UFC on ABC 9 card is beginning to take shape, and this bout is expected to be one of the marquee attractions. With high stakes and high-level skills on both sides, this showdown is one fans won’t want to miss.
