Petr Yan (photo via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Petr Yan is currently ranked one spot behind Aljamain Sterling in the UFC’s bantamweight rankings. But recently the rising Russian star outlined why he believes he’s ahead of Sterling in the title shot race.

Yan is currently booked to fight fellow top contender, Marlon Moraes, at a June 13th card in Kazakhstan. But, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the card’s status is in serious doubt. Sterling, meanwhile, is currently not booked for a bout.

As it stands right now, Sterling is ranked #2 in the UFC’s bantamweight ranks and Yan is #3.

The 27 year-old Yan recently appeared on the Eurobash podcast, and while talking about the title shot race, “No Mercy” said this (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“Sterling is a good fighter, and he’s deserving of a title shot too, but I think I deserve it more because I’ve been more active, I have more wins, I have a longer winning streak and I have more exciting performances,” Yan said. “I had one ‘Fight of the Night’ bonus and one performance bonus, so I think I am ahead of him.”

“Right now I have a fight scheduled and I already have an opponent, Marlon,” Yan explained. “He beat Sterling, he knocked out Sterling and he is right now ranked No. 1. I need to take care of him first, and if I will do that, I will be the clear No. 1 contender.

“I believe that will happen. I’ve signed a bout agreement a few weeks ago. I hope it’s going to happen. I think Marlon also believes it’s going to happen, so right now we’re getting ready.”

Yan (14-1) has gone 6-0 to date since joining the UFC in 2018 and is coming off a stoppage win over Urijah Faber.

Sterling (18-3) recorded a decision win over Pedro Munhoz in his last bout, and the 30-year-old has won four in a row.