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Petr Yan claims victory at UFC Macau would see him leapfrog Umar Nurmagomedov as the next title challenger at 135lbs

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Former bantamweight champion Petr Yan returns to the octagon this weekend in the main event of UFC Macau, and you better believe the Russian will show 'No Mercy' to his opponent as he looks for a new title shot.

While the UFC may be pushing for Merab Dvalishvili to defend his 135-pound title against Umar Nurmagomedov, the popular Russian believes he could leapfrog the 18-0 phenom with a big win when the promotion returns to China.

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Petr Yan believes victory at UFC Macau puts him in contention for the title

Following his unanimous decision victory over Song Yadong earlier this year, former UFC champion Petr Yan would deal with a series of serious injuries, including a torn ACL, a torn meniscus and a groin injury.

“Getting injured is always bad news, it's a long recovery and rehabilitation process, but it's also part of our job,” Yan told the UFC News crew ahead of his return to action in Macau.

“We are fighters and that is why we are different from everyone else. Overcoming obstacles sets you apart as a challenger and a champion.”

Since dropping his bantamweight title to Aljamain Sterling with an infamous illegal knee, Yan has fallen to 2-3 in his last five UFC fights – although 'No Mercy' still believes he's just one big win away of a new title candidate.

“To be honest, I feel like I only have one real defeat on my record. I believe I can compete with all the top guys and fight for the title.

'Merab said yes [Deiveson Figueiredo] the only real deserving challenger for his title, so this is a good opportunity for me to get this position; beat him and challenge for the belt instead of him.

“I believe this is a number one fight,” Yan claimed, before teasing that champion Dvalishvili is not ready to fight the 18-0 Nurmagomedov, who in turn also needs another win before he can truly win the can claim number 1 status.

“Merab is currently champion, but I believe he is not yet ready to defend his title, especially against Umar; it looks like he's avoiding him.

“Also Umar, I believe he needs some good wins as well, so with a win over Deiveson I believe I can get back into the title and challenge for the title again.”

Don't forget to set your alarm nice and early for UFC Macau

UFC Macau will mark the promotion's seventh time hosting an event in China, with this weekend's Fight Night card actually being a rare 'Fight Morning' card for fans in the US.

As confirmed by the UFC website, the early prelims will begin at midnight PST/3 AM EST before the main card kicks off at 3AM on the US West Coast and 6AM on the East Coast.

There are 13 fights scheduled for the event, with the main card featuring six ranked contenders.