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Russian MMA fighter Yan wins UFC bantamweight title

The 27-year-old Russian defeated Jose Aldo by technical knockout in the fifth round

Petr Yan AP Photo/John Locher

Petr Yan

© AP Photo/John Locher

MOSCOW, July 12. /TASS/. Russian professional mixed martial artist Petr Yan has won the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) bantamweight title, beating Brazilian Jose Aldo.

The fight took place in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, on Saturday.

The 27-year-old Russian defeated Aldo by technical knockout in the fifth round.

The UFC's bantamweight division groups competitors within 126-135 lb (61.3 kg).

Yan, who made his debut at the UFC fight in June 2018, extended his unbeaten streak to seven victories.

The MMA fighter thanked Russia after winning the UFC title. "I knew this would be a very strong rival and a serious battle," Yan said. In the first rounds, the Russian exhausted Aldo and "then he lost steam and we began to work." "I thank all my fans, thank you, Russia," Yan said.

The UFC bantamweight title became vacant after American MMA fighter Henry Cejudo ended his career. The Olympic champion made this decision in May after defeating American Dominick Cruz.

Yan is the second Russian to win the UFC champion title. Russian Khabib Nurmagomedov, hailing from Dagestan, has been retaining the UFC Lightweight Champion title since April 2018.

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