Petr Yan’s dominant performance against Deiveson Figueiredo has reignited his championship aspirations in the UFC’s bantamweight division. Following his unanimous decision victory at UFC Macau, Yan is now poised for a high-stakes matchup to solidify his standing as a title contender. Three potential opponents loom large for Yan’s next fight:

Merab Dvalishvili

Merab Dvalishvili is the reigning UFC Bantamweight Champion and has already defeated Yan in the past. A rematch would provide Yan with a chance to reclaim his position at the top while settling the score. Merab’s relentless pace and grappling prowess make him a formidable challenge, but Yan’s improved strategy could make this an intriguing bout.

1. Win - Sean O'Malley - Decision (unanimous) - UFC 306 (Sep 14, 2024) - Won UFC Bantamweight Championship
2. Win - Henry Cejudo - Decision (unanimous) - UFC 298 (Feb 17, 2024)
3. Win - Petr Yan - Decision (unanimous) - UFC Fight Night: Yan vs. Dvalishvili (Mar 11, 2023)
4. Win - José Aldo - Decision (unanimous) - UFC 278 (Aug 20, 2022)
5. Win - Marlon Moraes - TKO (punches) - UFC 266 (Sep 25, 2021)

Sean O'Malley

The flashy and former champion Sean O'Malley offers another tantalizing matchup for Yan. Their previous fight at UFC 280 ended in a controversial split decision favoring O’Malley. A rematch would settle any lingering doubts and provide a striking spectacle for the fans.

1. Loss - Merab Dvalishvili - Decision (unanimous) - UFC 306 (Sep 14, 2024)
2. Win - Marlon Vera - Decision (unanimous) - UFC 299 (Mar 9, 2024)
3. Win - Aljamain Sterling - TKO (punches) - UFC 292 (Aug 19, 2023) - Won UFC Bantamweight Championship
4. Win - Petr Yan - Decision (split) - UFC 280 (Oct 22, 2022)
5. NC - Pedro Munhoz - NC (accidental eye poke) - UFC 276 (Jul 2, 2022)

Umar Nurmagomedov

Umar Nurmagomedov is an undefeated rising star who recently won a title eliminator bout against Cory Sandhagen. A matchup between Yan and Umar would be a technical masterclass in striking and grappling, offering the division fresh energy and an opportunity for Yan to test himself against the Dagestani’s undefeated record.

1. Win - Cory Sandhagen - Decision (unanimous) - UFC on ABC: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov (Aug 3, 2024) - Bantamweight title eliminator
2. Win - Bekzat Almakhan - Decision (unanimous) - UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Gaziev (Mar 2, 2024)
3. Win - Raoni Barcelos - KO (body kick and punch) - UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Imavov (Jan 14, 2023)
4. Win - Nate Maness - Decision (unanimous) - UFC on ESPN: Tsarukyan vs. Gamrot (Jun 25, 2022)
5. Win - Brian Kelleher - Submission (rear-naked choke) - UFC 272 (Mar 5, 2022)