Prospect Watch: Petr Yan Paints A Masterpiece At ABC 71
Prospect Watch: Petr Yan Paints A Masterpiece At ABC 71
Highly touted prospect Petr Yan stamped a definitive victory at ACB 71 in Moscow.
By Nolan King
There is something different to be found when watching touted prospects compete inside the chaos of a mixed martial arts cage. There are some who are simply meant for larger achievements, and their performances reflect that motivation. Meanwhile, others who possess developed traits struggle against more experienced competition.
The ones who pass the test move on to face tougher obstacles, and those who struggle discover there is much more work to be done.Let's take a look at some top-ranked prospects who stepped into the cage last weekend.
It’s obvious at this point any fighter that headlines a card for the blossoming promotion Absolute Championship Bekrut is most likely legit. And in that regard ACB Bantamweight Champion Petr Yan is even more legit than most.
Even more impressive, is the fact that he is a mere 24-years of age. In his first eight bouts, Yan has compiled a 7-1 record with his most recent victory coming against the highly-touted Magomed Magomedov at ACB 57, in a rematch of Yan’s one controversial career loss.
Entering Saturday night’s ACB 71 event in Moscow, all eyes were on the next potential Russian UFC star. His opponent, Matheus Mattos, a 25-year-old Brazilian fighter sporting an impressive 11-0-1 record, was looking to bring Yan’s momentum to a screeching halt. Mattos, a Team Nogeuria product, was a member of The Ultimate Fighter Brazil Season 4 back in early 2015, and is known to Brazilian MMA fans for his finishing abilities. Despite being a bantamweight, Mattos carries the power of a fighter two weight classes above him and Petr Yan had his hands full in Moscow.
Right from the opening bell, it was apparent that this was going to be a great fight. Neither fighter looked to take the action to the ground and were open to exchanging on the feet. Both men had their moments in the opening round, but it was Yan’s boxing that really was the story of the first five minutes.
In the second round, it was more of the same, as Yan dropped the gritty Brazilian in the opening minute. Somehow, Mattos survived, but was never really able to muster up a consistent offense. Beaten and bloodied but not broken, Mattos lived on to see a third round (even it was just through one open eye).
Clearly fired up, and most likely knowing he was down two rounds to zilch, the third round began with a noticeably more aggressive Mattos biting down on his mouth piece and putting the pressure on Yan. Just prior to the midway point in the round, Yan, who had counterpunched for the majority of the round, decided to get off first. Yan clocked Mattos with a left hand, followed by a right. Feeling the effects of the right, the orthodox Brazilian, moved his head reactively walking right into a left uppercut from hell.
Petr Yan: still the ACB Bantamweight Champion.
BREAKDOWN: If anyone deserves a perfect score at bantamweight, it’s Petr Yan. The fact that he is only 24 years young is astonishing. Fighting like a seasoned veteran, Yan put on an excellent striking display. His technique is one thing, but it’s the fluidity of his standup movement that really propels him over the top. Switching stances and throwing combos in one free-flowing action for Yan that appears to come second nature.
Yan’s ability to sucker his opponents in while counterpunching is also a thing of beauty. This specific and unique skill is embedded deeply in his head movement rhythm. He’ll get hit, go on the defensive and pause his movement. The pause will bring his opponent in, but before the unlucky combatant knows it, Yan slips and rips a vicious shot or two.
Yan’s wrestling is also very strong, and while it isn’t his primary form of offense, it is a wonderful tool to have in his back pocket in order to mix things up. Yan’s IQ is through the ceiling as well. His pacing, decision-making and mid-fight adjustments are well beyond his years.
If there was one thing that Yan could work on, it would be his striking defense. It hasn’t been too much of a hole, but his opponents have had some openings with Yan occasionally standing on a straight line.
Petr Yan is more than ready to take his talents to the UFC. The only foreseeable problem is that…well… maybe he doesn’t want to go! ACB is a sweet gig for any fighter, and often times will pay more than the UFC, especially when it comes to keeping their stars. So, in reality this really comes down to what Yan wants to do.
Sean Shelby and Mick Maynard are not stupid men. If Yan wants to leave and go to the UFC or Bellator, then he’s as good as signed. Regardless of where the soon to be MMA star decides to go, one thing is certain. This kid is a must watch!
There is something different to be found when watching touted prospects compete inside the chaos of a mixed martial arts cage. There are some who are simply meant for larger achievements, and their performances reflect that motivation. Meanwhile, others who possess developed traits struggle against more experienced competition.
The ones who pass the test move on to face tougher obstacles, and those who struggle discover there is much more work to be done.Let's take a look at some top-ranked prospects who stepped into the cage last weekend.
Petr Yan
Bantamweight / 8-1 Professional / 24 years old/ Omsk, Russia
It’s obvious at this point any fighter that headlines a card for the blossoming promotion Absolute Championship Bekrut is most likely legit. And in that regard ACB Bantamweight Champion Petr Yan is even more legit than most.
Even more impressive, is the fact that he is a mere 24-years of age. In his first eight bouts, Yan has compiled a 7-1 record with his most recent victory coming against the highly-touted Magomed Magomedov at ACB 57, in a rematch of Yan’s one controversial career loss.
Entering Saturday night’s ACB 71 event in Moscow, all eyes were on the next potential Russian UFC star. His opponent, Matheus Mattos, a 25-year-old Brazilian fighter sporting an impressive 11-0-1 record, was looking to bring Yan’s momentum to a screeching halt. Mattos, a Team Nogeuria product, was a member of The Ultimate Fighter Brazil Season 4 back in early 2015, and is known to Brazilian MMA fans for his finishing abilities. Despite being a bantamweight, Mattos carries the power of a fighter two weight classes above him and Petr Yan had his hands full in Moscow.
Right from the opening bell, it was apparent that this was going to be a great fight. Neither fighter looked to take the action to the ground and were open to exchanging on the feet. Both men had their moments in the opening round, but it was Yan’s boxing that really was the story of the first five minutes.
In the second round, it was more of the same, as Yan dropped the gritty Brazilian in the opening minute. Somehow, Mattos survived, but was never really able to muster up a consistent offense. Beaten and bloodied but not broken, Mattos lived on to see a third round (even it was just through one open eye).
Clearly fired up, and most likely knowing he was down two rounds to zilch, the third round began with a noticeably more aggressive Mattos biting down on his mouth piece and putting the pressure on Yan. Just prior to the midway point in the round, Yan, who had counterpunched for the majority of the round, decided to get off first. Yan clocked Mattos with a left hand, followed by a right. Feeling the effects of the right, the orthodox Brazilian, moved his head reactively walking right into a left uppercut from hell.
Petr Yan: still the ACB Bantamweight Champion.
FloCombat Grade: A
BREAKDOWN: If anyone deserves a perfect score at bantamweight, it’s Petr Yan. The fact that he is only 24 years young is astonishing. Fighting like a seasoned veteran, Yan put on an excellent striking display. His technique is one thing, but it’s the fluidity of his standup movement that really propels him over the top. Switching stances and throwing combos in one free-flowing action for Yan that appears to come second nature.
Yan’s ability to sucker his opponents in while counterpunching is also a thing of beauty. This specific and unique skill is embedded deeply in his head movement rhythm. He’ll get hit, go on the defensive and pause his movement. The pause will bring his opponent in, but before the unlucky combatant knows it, Yan slips and rips a vicious shot or two.
Yan’s wrestling is also very strong, and while it isn’t his primary form of offense, it is a wonderful tool to have in his back pocket in order to mix things up. Yan’s IQ is through the ceiling as well. His pacing, decision-making and mid-fight adjustments are well beyond his years.
If there was one thing that Yan could work on, it would be his striking defense. It hasn’t been too much of a hole, but his opponents have had some openings with Yan occasionally standing on a straight line.
Petr Yan is more than ready to take his talents to the UFC. The only foreseeable problem is that…well… maybe he doesn’t want to go! ACB is a sweet gig for any fighter, and often times will pay more than the UFC, especially when it comes to keeping their stars. So, in reality this really comes down to what Yan wants to do.
Sean Shelby and Mick Maynard are not stupid men. If Yan wants to leave and go to the UFC or Bellator, then he’s as good as signed. Regardless of where the soon to be MMA star decides to go, one thing is certain. This kid is a must watch!