- How did your collaboration with Jan begin?

-When we met, I had not yet finished my boxing career. Then he went to Thailand, where he conducted boxing training for several guys. One day Peter came up to me and said: “Hello, coach, can we work on our feet?” “Paws?” I think. In England or Ireland they are not so called. I said, “No problem.” As for the language barrier, he didn’t really speak English, and I have a strong Irish accent. We both smiled and thought to ourselves: “What did he just say?” Then I finalized with another guy and trained Jan a little. We worked well together and understood each other without words. Peter is a very smart guy. We exchanged numbers, and he wrote to me: “Coach, when are we doing it again?” It seems that then was his first fight in the UFC. He injured his leg, so he wanted to work on boxing. And so it all began.

- Did you immediately realize that this is a promising fighter?

- Yes, literally from the first day. We did without words. We generally did not need a language, because Peter is smart. Very fast and talented. His boxing style was more like an amateur: he was constantly springing on his feet, and the punches were weaker than they could be. Then I gave him some small tips. In the evening of the same day I wrote myself a note: "Peter Jan is the future world champion." Yesterday I showed him this note to remind him of the long way he had traveled.

- What distinguishes him from other fighters?

-First of all, this is fighting intelligence. He perfectly knows how to read the enemy - during the first round everything becomes clear to him. His perseverance and mood are simply amazing. Ian works tirelessly. For any opponent in the octagon - he is a real nightmare. I repeat, he has a very strong blow. It is worth it to hit accurately and cleanly, and any opponent will immediately collapse.

- You said that Peter almost did not communicate during your first meeting. Has his English proficiency increased over time?

-It's very funny, but in reality he speaks better English than me. His last fight was in Las Vegas. At the hotel, I went to the reception, but because of the accent, they simply did not understand me, they asked me to repeat it.

Then Ian said: "Do not worry, coach, I have everything under control." And he spoke to them in perfect English. He is very advanced in this regard. But at times we get along fine without words, gesturing to each other what we're working on. If he needs help, Sayat Abdrakhmanov (manager Yana. - RT ) or someone else can explain, but Peter is incredibly smart. He grasps everything on the fly.

- You yourself did not try to learn Russian?

-At first I learned just a few words, but now I have to communicate more often with Peter's fans and other fighters. So I'm going to pull up my level. Especially considering that Ian began to seriously study English only two months ago and has already made incredible progress. He inspired me to learn a new language.

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Publication by Peter "No Mercy" Jan (@petr_yan) Jul 10, 2020 at 8:48 PDT

- What is Jan in ordinary life when fans do not see him.

- When Peter is outside the ring, he is a very warm-hearted man, a real family man, ready for anything for his family and friends. Awesome man. Most perceive him simply as a fighter, but he is a truly modest and polite person.

“So the presence of the  family only helps him?”

-Yes, no doubt. Do not forget that trips to the training camp can last long enough and people miss their relatives. This time, Peter's family came with him, and this is wonderful, because they are so close. The son is literally not a step away from him. Remember my word, this boy will still become the world champion.

- In the UFC, Yana is often plagued by injuries and other troubles. Which of his fights did he approach in the most optimal form?

“This is not to say that the world has ever seen Jan in his best shape, because with every battle he’s getting better.” For example, if we talk about a duel with Jimmy Rivera. People forget that once the American was even called the best boxer in the UFC, the best melee. But in this regard, against the background of the Russian, he looked very unimportant. But no one knew that just a couple of weeks before Peter's battle in Thailand, poisonous jellyfish were bitten. What kind of problems he did not encounter, but such is his attitude. The fight with Juraia Faber was the only one when he did not have any injuries or health problems. It is being improved literally day by day and this is evident.

- What motivates him, helps to achieve success?

-Peter is not only talented, but also determined to be the best in everything he does. For example, we prepared a new exercise for a while. So on the first day, he set a record - about 52 jumps per minute. Then someone beat this result, and the next day, Ian improved the new record by 14 jumps. And so everywhere, no matter whether it is jogging, or what else - in any business, he should be the first.

- What can you say about Jan’s tactics for the battle with Aldo?

“Jose expects Peter to put pressure on him all the time.” This is so, but only he will approach this with wisdom and arrangement, will spring on his toes, as in amateur boxing. It seems that Conor McGregor was holding on to the Brazilian, springing and retreating for half a step. This will be the key to success. In addition, his trump card will be boxing training, speed, a sense of time and fighting intelligence.

“Do you, as an Irishman, see any parallels between the styles of Jan and McGregor?”

-As I immediately wrote in my notes, which I later showed Peter: "This guy is better at boxing than McGregor." They are similar in their smart boxing approach. As for the fight with Jose, Ian does not take power. I always remind him: “Do not strive for a quick knockout. You will have such an opportunity, only first trap him. " We don’t have to rush into battle right away, we can make Aldo pay.

- Will people change their attitude towards Jan after the fight with Aldo?

-I think after this battle everyone will talk about the Russians. Styles win the fight, and this fight is literally created for Peter.