MOSCOW, November 24. /TASS/. Russia’s former UFC Bantamweight Champion Petr Yan is expected to be back fighting in March 2024 against one of the Top-10 UFC players, the fighter told TASS on Friday.

The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) 299 will take place in March 2024, but the exact venue had not been determined as of yet.

"We are planning that the bout will take place at the UFC 299. I’m motivated for my comeback, motivated for the fight and my achievements. I do want it and I’m full of strength," Yan said.

"Should it be [Rob] Font or Song Yadong? Does not matter, because I’m ready to face anyone from the Top-10," the Russian fighter replied speaking about his possible opponents in the octagon.

Asked whether he was willing to hold a fight in line with the boxing regulations, Yan answered: "As a fighter of the UFC tournament I am unable to fight under the rules of boxing."

"Possible fights [under boxing rules] against Daniel Garcia or Gervonta Davis? We live on different planets," the Russian fighter said.

Russia’s 30-year-old Yan, nicknamed ‘No Mercy,’ boasts a professional career record of 16 wins (seven by KO/TKO, one by submission, eight by decision) and five defeats.

In his previous fight on March 11, 2023 the Russian fighter suffered a defeat from Georgia’s Merab Dvalishvili, nicknamed ‘The Machine.’

The UFC (the Ultimate Fighting Championship) is the largest MMA (mixed martial arts) promotion event around the globe featuring world’s top-rank fighters. Many Russian fighters are participating in the UFC competitions.