This weekend’s event marks Yan’s second foray to Abu Dhabi, as he claimed the vacant bantamweight title on Fight Island at UFC 251 in July 2020, defeating Jose Aldo by fifth-round stoppage to rise to the top of the 135-pound weight class.
While the location doesn’t necessarily have any impact on his preparations or performance come fight night, there is something to be said for having a positive connection and general good vibes about the place you’re set to compete in, and after winning gold in Abu Dhabi once already, Yan is confident he’ll do it again this weekend.
“I have good memories in Abu Dhabi, I like that place,” he said when asked about returning to the location of his biggest win. “I’m looking forward to creating more memorable moments over there this time, too.
“I’m confident I can repeat history and win the belt again.”
And if he does, don’t expect Yan to put his feet up and wait for Sterling to be ready to compete again because, for the time being, it seems like he’s already moved on from the idea of running that one back.
“He can do whatever he wants; it’s not my concern,” he said of Sterling when asked what comes next following a win over Sandhagen on Saturday. “I want to stay active; I’m not waiting for anyone.”
Don’t miss the ESPN+ special presentation of UFC 267: Blachowicz vs Teixeira on Saturday October 30th, 2021. Please note special broadcast times — prelims begin at 10:30am ET/7:30am PT, with the two-title fight main card starting at 2pm ET/11am PT.
Visit Abu Dhabi: http://www.abudhabievents.ae/
