Tonight’s bout between Donald Cerrone and Tony Ferguson has been called the people’s main event, and for good reason. But, Petr Yan is assuring fans his scrap with Jimmie Rivera is of the can’t miss variety as well.
The rising, #9 ranked bantamweight has been booked to face the #7 placed Rivera, after going 4-0 to date in the UFC. Most recently, the Russian fighter outscored longtime contender, John Dodson, for the decision win in February. Rivera, meanwhile, is looking to get back on track after dropping two of his last three fights to Aljamain Sterling and Marlon Moraes. Prior to his KO loss to Moraes last June, Rivera was surging towards a title shot.
Well, in addition to racking up wins in the Octagon, Yan has been talking a mean game as well in recent weeks. Case in point, while talking about tonight’s fight tonight between Pedro Munhoz and the aforementioned Sterling, and the notion the winner could secure a title shot, Yan said this (quote via MMA Junkie):
“Maybe they are more famous in the U.S., you know, but I think I showed with my fights that I’m a more exciting fighter.”
“…Pedro just lost to (John) Dodson,” Yan added. “He just beat Garbrandt in an exciting manner, but that’s basically it. I feel like I have to win, and I have to jump in front of them.”
Now, considering Sterling is ranked #3 and Munhoz is #4, it would be pretty surprising if Yan leaped past the winner in the ranks. But, you never know. If Yan takes out Rivera in emphatic fashion, and the Sterling – Munhoz fight’s a dud, anything’s possible really.
And in terms of his scrap with Rivera, Yan credited the New Jersey fighter for being tough and experienced. The 26-year-old also said this:
“You’re still going to see an exciting fight, you know? I always come cold-blooded to the fight. It’s going to be a battle that everyone will love.”
Yup, there should be no arguments here. There are several, very intriguing fights booked for tonight’s card, but Rivera – Yan definitely has a chance of stealing the show.
UFC 238 will be hosted by the United Center in Chicago.