The co-main event of UFC on ABC 9: Whittaker vs. de Ridder, set for July 26, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, features a high-stakes bantamweight showdown between former champion Petr Yan and surging contender Marcus McGhee. It’s a battle between elite experience and explosive momentum, with both fighters aiming to secure a title eliminator bout.
Petr Yan
Petr Yan (18–5) enters the octagon as the former UFC bantamweight champion with a technical, high-volume striking game built around crisp boxing, feints, and forward pressure. Known for his durability and cardio, Yan has consistently faced the division’s elite, including wins over Cory Sandhagen, José Aldo, and Deiveson Figueiredo. After a three-fight skid, Yan rebounded impressively with back-to-back unanimous decision wins over Song Yadong and Figueiredo, reestablishing himself as a top contender.
Despite his elite skillset, Yan has shown vulnerability to high-output grapplers like Merab Dvalishvili and controversial decisions against Sean O’Malley and Aljamain Sterling. However, when he's allowed to dictate pace and stay upright, few can match his precision and composure over three or five rounds.
Petr Yan – Last 5 Fights:
* Win vs. Deiveson Figueiredo – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN, Nov 23, 2024
* Win vs. Song Yadong – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 299, Mar 9, 2024
* Loss vs. Merab Dvalishvili – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN, Mar 11, 2023
* Loss vs. Sean O’Malley – Decision (Split) – UFC 280, Oct 22, 2022
* Loss vs. Aljamain Sterling – Decision (Split) – UFC 273, Apr 9, 2022
Marcus McGhee
Marcus McGhee (10–1) is a fast-rising knockout artist with explosive power and killer instinct. Eight of his ten wins have come by knockout, and he’s earned three Performance of the Night bonuses in his last four UFC outings. The southpaw striker possesses dynamic kicks, sharp counters, and athleticism that makes him a threat in all phases, especially early.
McGhee’s lone loss came via rear-naked choke in LFA, but since then, he’s rattled off six straight finishes or dominant decisions, most recently outstriking Jonathan Martinez over three rounds. His cardio and grappling are still developing, but his pressure and ability to end fights quickly make him a real danger to slower starters like Yan.
Marcus McGhee – Last 5 Fights:
* Win vs. Jonathan Martinez – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 309, Nov 16, 2024
* Win vs. Gastón Bolaños – TKO (Spinning Kick & Punches) – UFC FN, Jan 13, 2024
* Win vs. JP Buys – KO (Punch) – UFC on ESPN, Aug 12, 2023
* Win vs. Journey Newson – Submission (RNC) – UFC on ESPN, Apr 29, 2023
* Win vs. Luciano Ramos – TKO (Punches) – LFA 149, Jan 6, 2023
This matchup is a classic technician vs. knockout artist battle. Yan holds major advantages in experience, volume, and five-round pacing, while McGhee has the speed and finishing power to make early moments dangerous. Yan’s methodical approach and defensive awareness make him difficult to finish, especially over three rounds.
The key lies in whether McGhee can land something significant early and disrupt Yan’s rhythm. If not, expect Yan to take over with superior footwork, combinations, and body attacks.
Prediction:
Petr Yan def. Marcus McGhee via Decision (Unanimous) – 3 Rounds
Yan’s championship-level composure and striking volume should wear on McGhee as the fight progresses, controlling distance and neutralizing McGhee’s early explosiveness.