P. Yan at UFC weigh-in. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @petr_yan
Considered one of the most dangerous athletes of the current generation of bantamweights (up to 61,2kg.), Petr yan admitted that he feels like having a confrontation against the former division champion, TJ Dillashaw, after the two-year suspension applied by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) was ended after the athlete failed an exam in 2019. The Russian's request surprised many, since, in an interview with 'RT Sport, Yan admitted that he admires TJ's style.
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“I've been asked about this (fight against Dillashaw). People say it would be interesting to watch us fight because we have similar styles. We both fight standing up, we have strong strikes and we both want to end the fight as quickly as possible”, said the Russian.
Petr also confessed that he followed Dillashaw's career when he turned professional in MMA. According to the Russian, TJ's style interested him and the athlete informed that past admiration could make the confrontation happen.
“I’m interested in this fight. Since I started my career, I watched his (TJ) fights. I like him as a fighter. I think he is competitive. So, I would be happy to face him in the future. I think it will happen. In about a year, he will return. He's a big name. I think he will return to the rankings, so we should fight,” he said.
Yan also commented on the doping accusation which resulted in the severe punishment applied to the American. According to the Russian, the former champion's past doesn't matter, as the fighter accepted the blame and must undergo numerous tests that will prove that he is able to return to the sport without any physiological alterations.
“I don’t care (about the doping case). He was caught and did not deny his guilt. It will be tested more carefully. So, when we fight, he will be clean”, he concluded.
After serving his two-year sentence, Dillashaw will be able to return to official fights in January 2021.
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