Russian fighter Peter Jan won by technical knockout over Brazilian Jose Aldo at the UFC 251 tournament and won the light heavyweight championship belt.

“I am extremely happy at such a time to win the league title. It was a long-awaited goal. Everything went perfectly. We expected the fight to be difficult, but I had a great time. It was a very responsible battle, a battle with a powerful opponent. For me it was significant, because I now have a belt, ”Jan shared his impressions at a press conference.

The UFC 251 tournament was held on the “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi, while the Russian training took place in Thailand. He noted that the change of time zones did not cause him any inconvenience.

“We tried to foresee such moments in advance. For example, before going to bed, before waking up. All of this benefited. The first time I came to Abu Dhabi, but everything was at the highest level, the athletes were received very professionally. I would like to return here with my family on vacation, ”the athlete admitted.

The meeting ended in the fifth round, 1 minute 36 seconds before its end. Many noted that already in the first five-minute Jan began to dominate the opponent, however, the Russian himself chose not to rush things.

“I saw that I shocked Jose in the first round, but I understood that in no case should I hurry, because after all it was a five-round title fight, and everything had to be done correctly. In the second five minute Aldo began to advance, struck me a couple of good low kicks. He allowed him to do this, even deliberately provoked him, as he understood that he was exhausting himself. Everything was according to plan, ”the fighter explained.

He suggested that the opponent was taken aback by his left-side stance, in which he fought throughout the fight.

“Everyone knows that Jose hits very hard, in this regard there is nobody stronger in our division. In the second round, he actively acted with his legs, but after that he missed several times. I did not spend the whole battle in my stance. Perhaps that’s why it wasn’t convenient for him to hit my far leg, ”Yang added.

The newly-minted UFC champion noted that he went to the fifth round with his thoughts ahead of schedule. The Brazilian needed to take risks, so the Russian team advised him not to rush.

Promotion head Dana White criticized the referee for stopping the fight too late. However, Yang did not agree with this view.

“I think that everything was done correctly. It was a champion match in which two warriors fought. Otherwise, then there would be talk about a premature stop. We need to fight to the end until the referee is 100% sure of his decision, ”he said.

In general, Ian paid tribute to Aldo. He praised his form and refuted the assumptions of those who believe that the Brazilian has already passed the peak of his career. 

One of the first to react to Yana’s victory was former UFC bantamweight champion Henry Sehudo. He congratulated the winner, while stating that in a fight with him he would not have survived even two rounds. The Russian did not respond to insults, emphasizing that he was ready to go into the octagon against anyone who challenges him.

“I don’t know what to call it. It pops up, then runs away again. Let them do what they want. Today is my day, my time, I do not pay any attention to them. For a year and a half, I spent six battles, I never say no to anyone. Therefore, I’ll fight with anyone they give me, ”he commented on Sehudo’s words.

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Posted by Peter "No Mercy" Jan (@petr_yan) Jul 11, 2020 at 9:46 am PDT

As for Jan’s further plan, then, according to him, the title can be defended in October. Given the epidemiological situation in the world, it is assumed that this battle will be organized again in Abu Dhabi.

“Now I have plans for rest and recovery, I want to return to my homeland, to see my family. Then it’s up to my managers and the UFC. As soon as the opponent and the date appear, you will hear my answer. Who is more worthy to compete for the title - Sterling or Moraes? I think Aljamein. This guy beat many guys who were in good positions. He deserves to fight for the belt, ”said the fighter.

Jan became the second Russian UFC champion after Khabib Nurmagomedov, who in April 2018 won the belt in the light weight category.

“After the victory, Habib was afraid that the title would change him? I’m not afraid of this, as in my life I have come across many things. I think the belt will make me even stronger, ”Yang concluded.