Petr Yan continues to trash ‘walking punching bag’ Marlon Vera as bantamweight stars get into fiery back-and-forth

Marlon Vera and Petr Yan get into an online trash-talk, showing signs of a potential fight.

Petr Yan continues to trash ‘walking punching bag’ Marlon Vera as bantamweight stars get into fiery back-and-forth

Petr Yan accepts Marlon Vera's callout (via Imago)

The UFC bantamweight division just saw some much-needed escalation in tension. Former champion Petr Yan recently participated in an online scuffle with Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera. It all started when Vera called out Yan for a fight and claimed that the Russian had ducked him multiple times.

Petr Yan is not someone who will not take jabs from others. The Russian fighter replied and revealed that he could have easily defeated Vera if they had fought earlier. Marlon Vera asked the fighter to talk less and sign the contract. Yan seemed confident and labeled Vera as a punching bag. 

Keep lying to yourself that someone can refuse to fight a walking punching bag
Petr Yan via X
YouTube video

Yan lost his UFC belt back in 2022 against Aljamain Sterling. In the process of getting it back, the fighter lost two consecutive fights. However, ‘No Mercy’ recently made his comeback and defeated Song Yadong at UFC 299. Despite injuring himself, Yan overcame the challenge from Yadong on his way to a unanimous decision win.

FS Video

On the same card, Vera lost to Sean O’Malley and failed to capture the bantamweight title. In the fight, O’Malley outclassed Vera throughout the fight and won via unanimous decision. Although Chito didn’t get knocked out, he absorbed a lot of significant strikes. Hence, Yan referenced ‘walking punching bag’ in the tweet.

UFC legend credits Marlon Vera’s extreme toughness despite criticism from Petr Yan

Sean O’Malley vs. Marlon Vera at UFC 299 was a pure execution. The champion pieced up Vera for five continuous rounds and didn’t give any opportunity for retaliation. Fight fans and experts praised O’Malley’s performance and were shocked by Vera’s unbreakable chin.

Michael Bisping appreciates Marlon Vera's chin
Michael Bisping appreciates Marlon Vera’s chin (via MMA Fighting/YouTube)

UFC legend Michael Bisping made a video about the fight on his YouTube channel. In the video, Bisping praised O’Malley for his spotless performance and was in awe of Vera’s toughness.

You gotta respect Chito Vera. One of the toughest humans we have ever seen…that was a heavy knee and they were heavy punches.. but Chito Vera took them all. Didn't even hit the canvas, he's one tough b******d. 
Michael Bisping via YouTube
YouTube video

Vera has proved that he can take a hit and has the ability to box as well. A fight between him and Yan has the potential to be a classic bantamweight banger. The matchup promises action due to the pressure-striking fighting style of Yan and Chito’s ability to take and dish out punishment. As such, fans have already started to call for Yan vs. Vera to happen by the end of the year.

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