Russian · Ufa, Russia · Born 11 February 1993Dominant Russian bantamweight who has held the UFC belt across three separate reigns, undisputed, interim, and undisputed again.
Petr Evgenyevich Yan was born on 11 February 1993 in Dudinka, Russia, one of the northernmost cities in the country, and developed a background as a Master of Sport in boxing before transitioning fully to mixed martial arts, turning professional in 2014. Yan, nicknamed "No Mercy," trained out of Yekaterinburg and later with American Top Team, developing into one of the most technically diverse and aggressive strikers in the UFC bantamweight division, renowned for his varied kicking game and relentless forward pressure. Yan won the UFC Bantamweight Championship in 2020, defeating José Aldo, before controversially losing the title in his first defence against Aljamain Sterling by disqualification, having landed an illegal knee to a downed opponent. Yan won the interim bantamweight title in a rematch with Sterling before ultimately losing to him in a rubber match, and has continued to compete at the top of the bantamweight rankings, remaining one of the most feared and well-rounded strikers in the division.
'No Mercy,' elite striker, two-time UFC Bantamweight Champion
How They Played
Yan employs a pressure-heavy striking style built around crisp boxing fundamentals and devastating body shots. He excels at cutting off the cage and overwhelming opponents with volume striking, particularly effective with his jab and powerful hooks to the body and head.
Lasting Impact
Yan has established himself as one of the most technically sound strikers in bantamweight history, setting a new standard for boxing technique in the division.
Career Honours
- ACB Bantamweight Champion 2017, 1 defence
- UFC Bantamweight Champion 2020, vs Jose Aldo
- UFC Interim Bantamweight Champion 2021, vs Cory Sandhagen
- UFC Bantamweight Champion again Dec 2025, vs Merab Dvalishvili
Russian Athletes