Petr Yan Eyes UFC Return and UFC 310 Slot

After a challenging period marked by injury and limited activity, former UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan is eager to make his return to the Octagon. Having fought only once in the last 17 months, Yan is now healthy and actively seeking a spot on the final numbered UFC event of 2024. He recently broke a three-fight losing streak, but an injury sustained in that victory has kept him sidelined. Yan is now ready to get back to business and has his sights set on a specific event.

The Road Back to the Octagon

Petr Yan, once the undisputed king of the bantamweight division, has endured a rough patch in his career. Following a string of three consecutive losses, he managed to snap that skid with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Song Yadong at UFC 299 in March. However, that hard-fought win came at a cost. Yan suffered a torn ACL and meniscus, injuries that necessitated surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation period. This unfortunate setback has kept him out of active competition for an extended time, a situation he’s keen to rectify. Now, with his body healed and his mind focused, Yan is preparing to re-enter a full training camp. He’s actively campaigning for a fight, hoping to get back in the cage before the year concludes.

Targeting a Specific Show

Yan’s immediate goal is to secure a place on UFC 310, the promotion’s final numbered event of 2024, scheduled for December 7th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This event represents a prime opportunity for him to re-establish his presence in the division and begin climbing the ranks once more. As the 5th-ranked contender in the bantamweight division according to USA TODAY Sports / MMA Junkie, Yan is still a significant player. His desire to compete on a major card like UFC 310 underscores his ambition and his commitment to reclaiming his status. He’s not just looking for any fight; he’s looking for the right one to propel his career forward.

Identifying an Ideal Opponent

When considering potential opponents, Petr Yan has a clear preference Deiveson Figueiredo. Figueiredo, a former multi-time flyweight champion, has transitioned successfully to the bantamweight division, boasting a perfect 3-0 record at 135 pounds. Yan views a matchup against Figueiredo as the most logical and compelling next step for both fighters. Many of the names ranked between Yan and Figueiredo are either already booked, coming off recent losses, or on different career trajectories, making a bout with Figueiredo a timely and sensible option. This potential clash of styles between two proven finishers and former champions would undoubtedly be an exciting prospect for fight fans and a significant test for both athletes.