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.”