'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Petr Yan "doesn't see anything special" in Umar Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov made a massive statement last month when he defeated Cory Sandhagen by unanimous decision. As a result, the undefeated Russian is expected to face the winner of Sean O'Malley vs Merab Dvalishvili, who are fighting for the former's bantamweight title on Sept. 14 at UFC 306.
Number three-ranked Petr Yan recently did an interview with Ushatayka and talked about the UFC bantamweight title picture. Yan was asked about whether or not O'Malley or Dvalishvili would give Nurmagomedov a "good fight," as the Russian has established a sense of invincibility. 'No Mercy' responded by saying:
"Of course, both of them [Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili] would [give Umar Nurmagomedov a good fight]. We saw Umar fight Cory Sandhagen in particular. Everybody can be defeated. You just need some skill, understand the way to win, and believe in yourself."
Yan was later asked if he thinks Nurmagomedov is special. The former UFC bantamweight champion responded by saying:
"No, I don't see anything special. Yes, he is strong, young, and he keeps winning fights, but call him special? No, I don't think so. Four years ago, I was doing as great as he is now. I didn't see any threat in any of them and was ready to fight three opponents on the same night."
Watch Petr Yan's comments about Umar Nurmagomedov below:
Where does Petr Yan stand in the UFC bantamweight division?
Number three-ranked Petr Yan last fought in March when he defeated Song Yadong by unanimous decision, ending a three-fight losing streak. The former UFC bantamweight champion doesn't have his next octagon appearance booked, but he plans to fight again before the end of the year.
Yan has called out number five-ranked Deiveson Figueiredo for a matchup between former UFC champions. Figueiredo moved up from flyweight to bantamweight in late 2023. Since then, he's quickly climbed the rankings with wins against Rob Font, Cody Garbrandt, and Marlon 'Chito' Vera.
'No Mercy' might need two wins to secure a bantamweight title shot, considering Umar Nurmagomedov is likely fighting the winner of Sean O'Malley vs Merab Dvalishvili. Firstly, 'No Mercy' looks to continue building momentum against another top-ranked opponent later this year.
