P. Yan at UFC weigh-in. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @petr_yan
One of the main names in the rooster division (up to 62,1kg) today, Petr yan prefers not to hide his opinion about a possible title fight between Henry Cejudo e Dominick Cruz. Third placed in the category ranking, the Russian criticized Ultimate's decision to give the North American a chance at the title even though he hasn't played professionally since November 2016.
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“To be honest, UFC attitudes like this sadden me. He (Cruz) hasn't fought in three years and now he gets a title shot? This hurts me and hurts the credibility of Ultimate, in my opinion”, said Pert in an interview with ‘MMA Fighting’.
Dominick received a chance to play for the belt after José Aldo, the champion's initial opponent, was unable to remain in the challenge due to being unable to travel to the United States due to his work visa having expired.
Undefeated in the UFC with six fights played, Yan didn't take long to reach the top of the category. Known for the aggressiveness with which he takes his fights, the athlete tried to analyze the reason why he was not chosen to face the champion.
“Maybe it's because I'm not in America, they didn't give me the chance to fight for the belt, or because I'm not North American. Maybe it's because they're afraid of me and don't want to give another belt to a Russian fighter. They must not want Russian champions,” he snapped.
Yan, however, revealed that his regret is not specifically that he was not given the opportunity to face Cejudo. Petr justified his statements by stating that his irritation is due to the fact that an athlete who hasn't played for so long is 'jumping the queue'.
“I think there are more active people and deserving athletes who could fight for the belt. I don’t understand why they gave the opportunity to a guy who has been inactive for so long”, confessed Petr.
Finally, the Russian spoke about what he thinks of the current champion, who, in his last challenges, asked for fights against fighters who were coming off defeats. The American claims he has the desire to defeat legends, but Yan thinks differently.
“I can say that I lost respect for Cejudo. I know he's playing the game, being part of it, but it's strange that the UFC agrees with him,” he concluded.
According to information from 'MMA Fighting', the Ultimate management plans to hold the fight between Henry and Cruz on a card that could take place on May 9, with no defined location.
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