Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee Booked for UFC Abu Dhabi Return on July 26

Petr Yan is set to face Marcus McGhee in a highly anticipated bantamweight contest at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26. This event marks the UFC’s return to Abu Dhabi and features a former champion, Yan, looking to continue his comeback after winning two straight fights, including victories over Deiveson Figueiredo and Song Yadong. The matchup comes just eight months after

Yan’s last main event, adding extra excitement to the upcoming card.

Marcus McGhee will step into the biggest challenge of his UFC career as he meets Yan at the Etihad Arena. McGhee has made a strong impression with a 4-0 start in the UFC, featuring three finishes and a recent decision win over Jonathan Martinez. As a rising contender, McGhee aims to make a statement against a seasoned former champion in Abu Dhabi’s signature UFC event.

Fight fans are eager to see how the experienced Yan will handle the pressure from McGhee, who is known for his knockout power and relentless style. With both fighters motivated and the stakes high, this July 26 matchup promises plenty of action as the UFC returns to Yas Island. For more on this matchup, visit details on UFC Abu Dhabi: Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee.

Main Event Preview: Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee

Petr Yan, a former UFC bantamweight champion, steps back into the octagon to face Marcus McGhee, a fast-rising contender. The fight is scheduled for July 26 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Both fighters enter this bout on winning streaks, and the bantamweight division holds major stakes for each man.

Significance of the Matchup

This bout is crucial for both fighters’ careers. Petr Yan, once the top bantamweight in the world, is looking to secure his third straight victory and re-establish himself as a true contender for the title. Back-to-back wins over Deiveson Figueiredo and Song Yadong have given him momentum after a tricky stretch of losses to Aljamain Sterling, Sean O’Malley, and Merab Dvalishvili.

For Marcus McGhee, this is the biggest test so far in his UFC journey. He enters with an undefeated 4-0 record in the UFC, including three finishes. A victory over a former champion like Yan would move McGhee into the title picture and cement his status as a bantamweight threat.

This fight will push both men further toward a title shot or set them back in the crowded contender field. Fans and analysts see it as one of the most competitive matchups this summer.

Tale of the Tape

Stat	Petr Yan	Marcus McGhee
Nickname	No Mercy	N/A
Record	18-5	10-1
UFC Experience	Former bantamweight champion	New bantamweight contender
Recent Streak	2 wins (Figueiredo, Yadong)	4 UFC wins (3 finishes)
Fighting Style	Boxing, pressure, cardio	Heavy hands, finish-focused
Height	5'7"	5'8"
Reach	67"	70"

Yan brings championship experience and technical boxing, while McGhee offers reach, youth, and knockout power. Both fighters are known for pushing the pace and never backing down in a slugfest.

Path to Abu Dhabi

Petr Yan returned to the win column by defeating Song Yadong and then scoring a main event win over Deiveson Figueiredo in China. These performances helped him recover from his previous three-fight losing streak and showed that “No Mercy” is still a serious contender at bantamweight.

Each win has made him more determined to reclaim gold.

For Marcus McGhee, rapid success in the UFC has been built on versatility and finishing ability. He debuted with a submission win and followed with back-to-back knockouts. His most recent outing was a decision victory over Jonathan Martinez in November, proving he can also outlast durable fighters.

Both men now face a high-stakes showdown at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The winner will strengthen his place among the elite bantamweight contenders and move closer to a future title shot.

Recent Performance and Career Overview

Petr Yan has worked his way back into the bantamweight title picture after a tough losing streak, while Marcus McGhee has quickly made a name for himself with a series of strong wins in the UFC. Both fighters bring notable momentum as they head into this high-stakes matchup.

Petr Yan’s Comeback Streak

Petr Yan, former UFC bantamweight champion, rebounded from a difficult period in his career with two important wins. After suffering a split decision loss to Aljamain Sterling, then another split decision defeat to Sean O’Malley, Yan was outclassed by Merab Dvalishvili in a one-sided fight.

He made adjustments and returned to form by beating Song Yadong, snapping his three-fight losing streak. Next, Yan headlined an event in China against Deiveson Figueiredo, the former flyweight king, taking a clear victory. These wins have put Yan back in line for a potential title shot.

Notable Highlights:

• Recent wins: Deiveson Figueiredo (main event in China), Song Yadong

• Ended 3-fight skid (Sterling, O’Malley, Dvalishvili)

• Seeking three straight UFC wins for the first time since 2021

Marcus McGhee’s UFC Climb

Marcus McGhee entered the UFC with a perfect record and has quickly proven himself. He currently sits at 4-0 with the promotion. McGhee’s UFC run started with a submission in his first fight, followed by two impressive knockouts.

He continued his streak by earning a decision victory over Jonathan Martinez in November. McGhee’s aggressive style and finishing ability have fast-tracked him towards a fight with a former champ and raised his profile in the bantamweight division.

Key Achievements:

• UFC record: 4-0

• 3 finishes: 1 submission, 2 knockouts

• Most recent win: Unanimous decision over Jonathan Martinez

• Faces a major step up by meeting ex-champion Petr Yan in Abu Dhabi

Find details about this fight at MMA Fighting: Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee booked for UFC’s return to Abu Dhabi.

UFC Abu Dhabi Card Highlights

The UFC is set to return to the Etihad Arena on Yas Island for an action-packed event. Big names, rising stars, and important title eliminators fill a card with plenty to watch for on July 26.

Featured Fighters and Co-main Events

The main event features former champion Robert Whittaker going against Reinier de Ridder in a high-stakes middleweight clash. Whittaker, known for his cardio and technical striking, meets de Ridder, who brings strong grappling experience and has held championship gold in other promotions. This bout could influence the next title contender in the middleweight division.

The spotlight also shines on Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee, as Yan tries to continue his rebound and McGhee aims to break into the elite with his perfect UFC record. For more about this headline bout, details can be found at MMA Fighting's full card report.

Other Notable Bouts

Several key matchups stand out in the supporting fights. In light heavyweight action, Nikita Krylov faces Bogdan Guskov. Krylov is known for his finishing ability and well-rounded skills, while Guskov looks to establish himself among the division’s best.

Marc-Andre Barriault, a tough middleweight with solid striking, returns to the Octagon aiming to build on his last UFC performances. The rising flyweight Asu Almabayev takes on Ramazan Temirov in a fight that could bring a new contender into the rankings. There’s also excitement in the featherweight division as Ibo Aslan meets Billy Elekana. These bouts feature some of the strongest up-and-comers on the card according to outlets like Cageside Press, offering fans a look at future stars in multiple weight classes.