Petr Yan May Not Have Team For UFC 273

There may be no one in Petr Yan’s corner at UFC 273.

The U.S. reportedly denied visas for Yan’s team, which means they will not be allowed into the U.S. The U.S. government have enforced heavier restrictions amidst Russian’s ongoing attacks on Ukraine.

Yan, a Russian-born fighter, will however be allowed into the country because he has had his U.S. visa for three years, Russian Tass Agency Igor Lazonin said.

Lazonin further stated that fellow countryman Khabib Nurmagomedov could potentially corner him.

Yan is set to face bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling in a rematch. Their first bout ended in a disqualification after Yan landed an illegal knee in the fourth round; up until that point, everything was going his way.

Sterling has not fought to defend his belt since then. He pulled out due to injury and Yan was forced to face Cory Sandhagen in an interim fight, which he went on to win via unanimous decision in October.