Former Russian UFC Champion Petr Yan Lands in Big International Soup as Ukraine Charges Him Alongside 55 Others for Allegedly ‘Supporting’ Conflict

The year 2022 seems to be a horrible dream for the former UFC champion, Petr Yan. The Russian fighter suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time in his career; both losses came via split decisions. While his first bout against Aljamain Sterling declined him the UFC gold, the recent loss against Sean O’Malley cost him his #1 rank. In addition, Yan, who is having tough luck inside the Octagon, also finds himself on the wrong side of legislative action.

Notably, the bantamweight fighter became one of the 56 athletes sanctioned by the Ukrainian parliament over the recent Russia situation.

Petr Yan and his series of unfortunate events continue

Yan, 29, who has a long MMA career ahead of him, might not appear under the UFC banner anymore. Markedly, after his controversial UFC 280 loss to ‘Sugar’ in Abu Dhabi, he clarified his intention to not fight for the promotion. Additionally, this was the third time in his last 4 fights that the fighter expressed his discontent with the fight’s result.

Another unfortunate event that followed ‘No Mercy’ came recently after the Ukrainian parliament put him on the sanctioned list. Besides 55 prominent fighters, the American Top Team representative’s entry into the country will be prohibited.

Also, other restrictions include the prohibition of trade relations, the blocking of personal assets, and a further constraint on state awards.

However, the decision might surprise the fighter and the fans alike; because of the fighter’s open non-support for Russia’s recent situation. Notably, the former bantamweight champion is not the only Russian fighter to voice his opinion.

Earlier, one of the biggest Russian athletes, Khabib Nurmagomedov, declared that the country was ‘not ready’ in his Instagram post.

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The other notable names in the list included former Bellator champion Alexander Shlemenko, Alexander Emelianenko, and gymnast Ivan Kuliak. Notably, heavyweight fighters like Alexander Povetkin and Nikolai Valuev also found a mention on the list.

Yan’s earlier non-supportive message

Yan, at 16-4, in his earlier Instagram story asserted his contrary stand to the Russian government’s recent steps. Particularly, he shared a picture of two hands, painted in Ukraine and Russian flag colors, coming together.

The fans could also witness the image of a white dove forming due to the hands’ shadow. Thus, advocating for peace between them.

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What do you think of this recent development regarding Petr Yan? Let us know in the comments below.