MMA Match Preview: Petr Yan (18-5-0) vs. Marcus McGhee (10-1-0)

In a high-stakes clash between a former champion and a surging knockout artist, Petr “No Mercy” Yan returns to the spotlight against Marcus “The Maniac” McGhee in the co-main event of UFC on ABC 9: Whittaker vs. de Ridder, live from the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. This bout could reshape the bantamweight title picture.

Tale of the Tape

Attribute	Petr Yan	Marcus McGhee
Age	32	35
Height	5′7″	5′8″
Reach	67″	69″
Record (MMA)	18-5-0	10-1-0
UFC Record	10-4	4-0
Style	Boxing/Kickboxing	Southpaw Power Striker
UFC Ranking	#3 Bantamweight	#12 Bantamweight

Petr Yan – The Tactical Pressure Fighter

Strengths:

Elite boxing with 60% striking accuracy

Iron chin and cardio built for five-round wars

High fight IQ and adaptive game plans

Recent Form:

Wins over Song Yadong and Deiveson Figueiredo (2024)

Previously lost close decisions to O’Malley, Sterling, and Dvalishvili

Game Plan:

Slow start to gather reads, then ramp up pressure

Mix leg kicks, body shots, and counters

Use defensive wrestling to keep fight standing

Yan is a “builder” in the cage—he downloads data early, then systematically breaks opponents down. His composure and experience against elite competition give him a strategic edge over explosive but less-tested challengers.

Marcus McGhee – The KO Artist on the Rise

Strengths:

High-volume striking (6.06 strikes/min)

100% takedown defense

8 of 10 wins by knockout

Recent Form:

Wins over Jonathan Martinez (Dec), Gastón Bolaños (KO), JP Buys (KO)

4-0 UFC record with 3 Performance of the Night bonuses

Game Plan:

Fast start with flurries and feints

Target head with looping lefts and body kicks

Avoid clinch and counter traps

McGhee is a wrecking ball with dynamite in his fists. He’s never faced someone of Yan’s caliber, but his confidence and finishing instincts make him a dangerous wild card.

Key Dynamics

Experience vs. Momentum: Yan has faced the division’s elite; McGhee is untested at this level.

Volume vs. Precision: McGhee throws in bursts; Yan picks his shots with surgical accuracy.

Durability vs. Power: Yan’s chin has held up against killers; McGhee’s KO rate is elite.