In a high-stakes clash between a former champion and a surging knockout artist, Petr “No Mercy” Yan returns to the spotlight against Marcus “The Maniac” McGhee in the co-main event of UFC on ABC 9: Whittaker vs. de Ridder, live from the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. This bout could reshape the bantamweight title picture.
Tale of the Tape
| Attribute | Petr Yan | Marcus McGhee |
| Age | 32 | 35 |
| Height | 5′7″ | 5′8″ |
| Reach | 67″ | 69″ |
| Record (MMA) | 18-5-0 | 10-1-0 |
| UFC Record | 10-4 | 4-0 |
| Style | Boxing/Kickboxing | Southpaw Power Striker |
| UFC Ranking | #3 Bantamweight | #12 Bantamweight |
Petr Yan – The Tactical Pressure Fighter
Strengths:
Elite boxing with 60% striking accuracy
Iron chin and cardio built for five-round wars
High fight IQ and adaptive game plans
Recent Form:
Wins over Song Yadong and Deiveson Figueiredo (2024)
Previously lost close decisions to O’Malley, Sterling, and Dvalishvili
Game Plan:
Slow start to gather reads, then ramp up pressure
Mix leg kicks, body shots, and counters
Use defensive wrestling to keep fight standing
Yan is a “builder” in the cage—he downloads data early, then systematically breaks opponents down. His composure and experience against elite competition give him a strategic edge over explosive but less-tested challengers.
Marcus McGhee – The KO Artist on the Rise
Strengths:
High-volume striking (6.06 strikes/min)
100% takedown defense
8 of 10 wins by knockout
Recent Form:
Wins over Jonathan Martinez (Dec), Gastón Bolaños (KO), JP Buys (KO)
4-0 UFC record with 3 Performance of the Night bonuses
Game Plan:
Fast start with flurries and feints
Target head with looping lefts and body kicks
Avoid clinch and counter traps
McGhee is a wrecking ball with dynamite in his fists. He’s never faced someone of Yan’s caliber, but his confidence and finishing instincts make him a dangerous wild card.
Key Dynamics
Experience vs. Momentum: Yan has faced the division’s elite; McGhee is untested at this level.
Volume vs. Precision: McGhee throws in bursts; Yan picks his shots with surgical accuracy.
Durability vs. Power: Yan’s chin has held up against killers; McGhee’s KO rate is elite.
FIGHT ODDS
Petr Yan – 375
Marcus McGhee + 275
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, July 25, 2025
