"Want to play again in 2020": Jan on next fight, Sterling's strength and two division championships

On August 12, Russian UFC champion Pyotr Yan took part in a press conference organized by the Parimatch bookmaker, after which he talked to reporters. In an exclusive interview with RT, the athlete told how he spent the first month in the status of the strongest bantamweight fighter, shared his opinion on why Aljamein Sterling is the most likely contender for the belt, and told why he is not attracted by the prospect of repeating Conor McGregor's achievement and taking trophies in two weight categories.

"If necessary, I will fight with Moraes"

- On July 12, at UFC 251, you defeated legendary Brazilian fighter Jose Aldo to become the second Russian UFC champion in history. What do you remember about the first month after the triumph?

- Planned to do a tour of the cities with the UFC belt. But so far it has not been possible to carry it out. The project is being finalized. On August 18-19, I intend to visit Omsk. I will see the guys, young people, visit the places where I trained.

- Judging by your Instagram photos , you have already resumed the training process. Does this mean that you have already started preparing for a new fight?

- No, I just missed training. About the same as in the battles. You know, a week goes by and you want to get back to work again.

Have you already talked to the UFC about the next fight?

- Not yet. I think this is the job of managers. I will leave it to them and wait for a decision.

- Would you like to defend your first UFC title before the end of 2020?

- Certainly. I want to speak again in 2020.

- In your opinion, who is more likely to become your rival in the next battle?

- I wish it was Sterling. The guy who absolutely deserves a belt fight. And then we'll see.

- Your manager Sayat Abdrakhmanov also said that Sterling is likely to become your next rival. But will it surprise you if the UFC puts you in a fight with Marlon Moraes? After all, you had a meeting with him at a tournament in Kazakhstan.

- No, I don't think it will surprise me. If need be, I'll fight Moraes. If not, I'll fight Sterling.

- In your opinion, who is the more dangerous opponent - Moraes or Sterling?

- It is difficult to single out one person. Both are cool, strong guys. Each has its own strengths.

- UFC stars and champions usually prefer to play at large venues such as Las Vegas, New York, Abu Dhabi. If you were offered to defend at the first ever tournament in Kazakhstan, would you agree?

- Of course, I would gladly perform. This is also very honorable.

- What would you say if you were offered Las Vegas and Moscow as a venue for the first defense of the bantamweight title?

- Of course, I would choose Moscow. I would like to have a duel in front of my own fans.

- At UFC 252, his next fight will be held by Sean O'Malley, who recently arranged something like a conflict with you on social networks. Follow him?

- Yes, absolutely. A very interesting fighter, so far he wins all those who are put against him. I do not exclude that in the future our paths may cross. O'Malley is a very promising guy.

- O'Malley looks like someone who is trying to get to the top with his statements. Don't you think the UFC is promoting him so much because they see him as the new Conor McGregor?

- Yes, I know that they cherish it. They are neatly brought up to new opponents. But look at the same McGregor. He was taken care of - and how did it end in the end?

- Do you think McGregor really ended his career?

- It is hard to say. Anything can be.

- After McGregor , there has been a trend in the UFC where fighters are trying to become champions in two or more divisions. Are you considering moving to another category?

- I have no such desire. It seems to me that we should try to carry out as many defenses as possible in one weight. There were many examples when people tried to win two belts and they failed.