UFC on ABC 9: Petr Yan vs Marcus McGhee

At UFC on ABC 9 in Abu Dhabi on July 26, 2025, Petr Yan and Marcus McGhee delivered a tense and competitive co-main event that showcased the difference between a former champion and an up-and-coming contender. From the opening bell, Yan established himself as the one pressing forward, cutting the cage and working behind sharp kicks and feints, while McGhee tried to stay light on his feet and catch him with counters. The first round was dictated by Yan’s pressure and pace, forcing McGhee to constantly backpedal to avoid prolonged exchanges.

The second round saw Marcus McGhee open up more with his hands, finding brief success with his right hand, but Yan’s composure and precision quickly shifted the momentum. Midway through the round, a clean shot from Yan visibly hurt McGhee and left him wearing damage around the eye. Although McGhee refused to back down and kept swinging, the tempo and accuracy coming from Yan began to pile up, making it clear who was in control as the minutes ticked away.

By the third, Yan was firmly in command, walking his opponent down, mixing striking with level changes, and threatening with takedowns whenever the opportunity appeared. McGhee did well to defend several grappling attempts and even reversed a scramble late in the round, but Petr Yan made sure to close strong, tripping McGhee to the mat in the final seconds and leaving no doubt in the judges’ minds. All three scorecards reflected the same picture: 29-28 for Yan, a unanimous decision that extended his resurgence in the bantamweight division.

After the fight, Yan’s win was hailed as a reminder of the precision and pressure that once made him champion, while McGhee earned praise for showing grit against one of the division’s elite. The victory puts Yan back in line for bigger fights and possibly another title push, while McGhee leaves Abu Dhabi with lessons from the toughest test of his career. It was a fight defined by experience, composure, and tactical discipline from Yan, who once again proved he remains a major force at 135 pounds.