The stage is set for an exciting showdown at UFC Fight Night Macau between two former champions, Petr Yan and Deiveson Figueiredo. As the fighters made their way to the scales, Yan tipped the scales at 135.5 pounds, while Figueiredo made championship weight in his fourth fight in the bantamweight division. This is a crucial moment for ‘No Mercy,’ who has faced a difficult run of losses and is eager to prove he’s back in title contention. However, his knee injury from his last fight could make this comeback even more challenging. How is the former bantamweight champion’s knee doing as he prepares to fight Figueiredo?
Petr Yan’s Path to Recovery: The Knee Injury After UFC 299
Coming into UFC 299, Petr Yan was under immense pressure, having lost three consecutive fights. He knew he needed a victory to get back into the title picture. Yan faced Song Yadong in March and earned a unanimous decision victory, marking a much-needed win in his career. However, the victory came at a cost, as Yan suffered multiple injuries during the bout, the most serious being to his knee. Afterward, it was revealed that the former bantamweight champion had torn his ACL, requiring surgery.
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Yan’s manager, Daniel Rubenstein, confirmed the severity of the injury and stated that Yan would need 9-12 months of rehab after the surgery. However, Yan is set to make his return just eight months after the injury, much sooner than expected. Despite the brief recovery time, the Russian fighter is optimistic about his upcoming fight. Speaking with SHAK MMA, Yan expressed confidence in his readiness, saying, “You know what’s actually been said about my injury already, so I don’t want to get too much into it. I just showed that I could win no matter what.”
Petr Yan’s Return: Will His Knee Hold Up Against Deiveson Figueiredo?
With his knee still a concern, Yan’s comeback fight against Deiveson Figueiredo is anything but simple. ‘No Mercy’ will face a former flyweight champion, Figueiredo, who is riding a three-fight win streak. The fight will be a five-round main event at UFC Macau, and the odds are in Yan’s favor, with bookmakers listing him as a -278 favorite. Figueiredo, on the other hand, comes into the fight as a +225 underdog, but he’ll be looking to prove himself against the former bantamweight champ.
Despite Figueiredo’s dangerous skill set, Yan’s confidence remains high. The 31-year-old fighter is determined to push through the challenges posed by his knee injury, which has been an issue for him in the past. Whether or not his knee holds up during the fight could be a pivotal factor in determining the outcome of this exciting bout.
How Did Petr Yan Lose His Bantamweight Title? A Knee Strike That Changed Everything
Yan’s history with knee strikes goes beyond his recent injury. The Russian fighter’s last attempt to defend his bantamweight title at UFC 259 ended in dramatic fashion, thanks to an illegal knee. Yan was dominating his fight against Aljamain Sterling, controlling the action in the first three rounds. However, in the fourth round, Yan made a critical mistake when he delivered an illegal knee to a grounded Sterling.
Referee Mark Smith had warned Yan that Sterling was a “downed fighter” and that he could not throw a knee strike. The impact of the illegal strike left Sterling unable to continue, and he was awarded the title by disqualification. What seemed like a sure victory for Yan turned into a crushing loss. Sterling, who was visibly hurt, cried in the Octagon as he became the new bantamweight champion.
Petr Yan vs. Deiveson Figueiredo: What to Expect in UFC Macau
Now, nearly three years after that loss to Sterling, Yan is looking to climb back into the title picture. His upcoming fight against Figueiredo is a critical one for both fighters. Yan is aiming to prove that his knee injury hasn’t slowed him down, while Figueiredo will look to demonstrate that his move up in weight is paying off.
With both fighters possessing high-level skills and experience, UFC Macau promises to be an exciting event. Yan will need to stay sharp and avoid making the same mistakes that cost him the title in the past. Figueiredo’s striking power and grappling could present unique challenges, but if Yan’s knee holds up, he has the potential to emerge victorious.
Will Petr Yan Be Able to Return to Championship Form?
Petr Yan’s road to recovery has been short but intense. His knee injury and surgery have forced him to rehabilitate faster than most athletes would, but his determination to fight and win is clear. With a win over Figueiredo at UFC Macau, Yan could be back on the path to reclaiming the bantamweight title he lost due to one wrong move.
As the fight approaches, fans are eager to see if Yan’s knee will hold up under the pressure and if he can prove that he’s still a top contender in the UFC. With everything on the line, UFC Macau could be the fight that defines Yan’s future.
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FAQ: Common Questions About Petr Yan’s Return and Knee Injury
1. How long will it take for Petr Yan to fully recover from his knee surgery? Yan’s ACL injury required a rehabilitation period of 9-12 months, but he is making his return after just eight months. He remains confident in his recovery and is eager to get back into action.
2. How did Petr Yan lose his bantamweight title? Petr Yan lost his title at UFC 259 due to an illegal knee strike against Aljamain Sterling, which resulted in a disqualification after Sterling was unable to continue the fight.
3. What are the odds for Petr Yan vs. Deiveson Figueiredo? Yan is the favorite at -278, while Figueiredo comes into the fight as a +225 underdog. This indicates that bookmakers believe Yan has the upper hand, though Figueiredo remains a dangerous opponent.
4. How serious was Petr Yan’s knee injury? Yan tore his ACL during his fight at UFC 299, which required surgery. The injury has been a major challenge, but he is ready to return to the Octagon just eight months later.
5. Can Petr Yan still make a run for the bantamweight title? A win over Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Macau would put Yan back in title contention. His victory against Song Yadong and his confidence in overcoming his injury are signs that he could be on his way back to the top.
