Russian champion honored.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Bantamweight champion Petr Yan received one of his country’s highest state decorations earlier today (Wed., April 22, 2026), as Russian president Vladimir Putin awarded him the “For Merit to the Fatherland” medal during a ceremony inside the Kremlin.
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The honor is given to Russian citizens who have made significant contributions to the state, including achievements in sports, culture, science, and public service. In Yan’s case, the recognition stems from his success on the global stage in mixed martial arts (MMA), where he has become one of the most accomplished fighters to ever represent Russia inside the Octagon by becoming a two-time UFC Bantamweight champion.
Check out the video below:
Yan, 33, reclaimed the Bantamweight title in dominant fashion by defeating Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 323 last December (watch highlights), which was a huge accomplishment as the Russian fighter went on a brutal three-fight skid that kicked him out of the title picture.
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Yan is currently on the sidelines recovering from back surgery and is expected to return sometime this summer. And when he does return to the Octagon, all signs point to a highly anticipated trilogy bout against Dvalishvili. The two rivals have split their previous encounters, setting the stage for a decisive third meeting that should headline a major card once Yan is medically cleared.
For now, however, “No Mercy” is adding hardware of a different kind to his trophy case — one that extends far beyond championship gold — as he continues to build his legacy both inside and outside the cage.
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