Petr Yan clinches interim bantamweight title in superb co-main event at UFC 267

Russian claims unanimous decision win against Cory Sandhagen in Abu Dhabi

Petr Yan won the UFC interim bantamweight title fight against Cory Sandhagen during UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi on October 30, 2021. All images Chris Whiteoak / The National

Petr Yan wins after winning the UFC interim bantamweight title match against Cory Sandhagen.

Cory Sandhagen (blue) takes a kick from Petr Yan (red) at UFC 267.

Cory Sandhagen during the bout in Abu Dhabi.

UFC interim bantamweight bout between Cory Sandhagen (blue) and Petr Yan (red) at UFC 267. Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

UFC interim bantamweight title match between Cory Sandhagen (blue) and Petr Yan (red) at UFC 267.

Petr Yan won the UFC interim bantamweight title.

Petr Yan after the win at the Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Petr Yan (red) during his win over Cory Sandhagen.

Petr Yan was crowned the UFC interim bantamweight champion in Abu Dhabi early on Sunday, then promptly called out “clown” main title-holder Aljamain Sterling.

The Russian, who relinquished his crown to the American in March in controversial circumstances, earned a unanimous decision win against a valiant Cory Sandhagen in the penultimate bout at UFC 267 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. All three judges scored the clash 49-46.

Yan, though, gave credit to his American rival, who took the fight as a late replacement for Sterling.

"Everyone knows I'm the real champion, I'm here to fight anyone,” Yan said. “It's either going to be [former champion TJ] Dillashaw or the clown Sterling.”

The bout, played out in front of a vociferous crowd in the capital, was one of the many highlights on an action-packed card. The level of striking was a sight to behold, with the ever-classy Sandhagen magnanimous in defeat.

“He’s a great fighter, man,” he said. “A great fighter.”

Fans outside the arena during UFC 267 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on October 30, 2021. All Images Chris Whiteoak / The National

Petr Yan won the UFC interim bantamweight title fight against Cory Sandhagen at UFC 267in Abu Dhabi.

Cory Sandhagen (blue) takes a kick from Petr Yan (red) at UFC 267.

UFC interim bantamweight title match between Cory Sandhagen (blue) and Petr Yan (red) at the Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Glover Teixeira stunned Jan Błachowicz in their light heavyweight title match at UFC 267.

Glover Teixeira submitted Jan Błachowicz for the UFC light heavyweight title.

Light heavyweight title fight between Glover Teixeira (blue) and Jan Błachowicz (red).

Glover Teixeira submitted Jan Błachowicz at UFC 267.

Glover Teixeira (blue) overpowered Jan Błachowicz (red) at UFC 267.

Emirati performers during UFC 267 at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Allan Nascimento lost to Tagir Ulanbekov (red) in the opening bout at UFC 267.

Tagir Ulanbekov (red) after his flyweight win over Allan Nascimento.

Khabib Nurmagomedov watches the flyweight bout between Allan Nascimento and Tagir Ulanbekov at the Etihad Arena.

UFC flyweight bout between Allan Nascimento (blue) and Tagir Ulanbekov (red) at UFC 267. Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Etihad crew members outside the Etihad Arena.

Emirati performers during UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi.

Lerone Murphy (blue) is tackled by Makwan Amirkhani (red) in their featherweight bout.

Light heavyweight bout between Michał Oleksiejczuk (blue) and Shamil Gamzatov (red).

Andre Petroski (blue) takes hold of Hu Yaozong (red) in their middleweight bout.

Zubaira Tukhugov won his featherweight bout against Ricardo Ramos.

Women's strawweight bout between Virna Jandiroba (blue) and Amanda Ribas.

Zubaira Tukhugov after defeating Ricardo Ramos at the Etihad Arena.

Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos after winning his welterweight fight in Abu Dhabi.

Michał Oleksiejczuk won the light heavyweight bout with Shamil Gamzatov.

Roman Kopylov defends against and Albert Duraev (red).

Khamzat Chimaev won in the first round against Li Jingliang.

Khamzat Chimaev submitted Li Jingliang at the Etihad Arena.

Khamzat Chimaev dominated on his UFC return.

Coach Khabib Nurmagomedov celebrates Islam Makhachev's win over Dan Hooker.

Khabib Nurmagomedov celebrates Islam Makhachev's lightweight bout win over Dan Hooker.

Heavyweight bout between Marcin Tybura (blue) and Alexander Volkov.

Dan Hooker (blue) and Islam Makhachev (red) at UFC 267.

Islam Makhachev (red) dominated Dan Hooker at UFC 267.