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.”
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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.
