Urijah Faber at UFC 245 – Dec. 14, 2019
Yan had called for a title shot after his win over Rivera, but instead of a matchup with then-champion Henry Cejudo, “No Mercy” was handed a bout against an MMA legend.
Former WEC champion Urijah Faber had never captured championship gold in the UFC but remained a serious threat at the top of the promotion’s 135-pound division. But, despite Faber’s massive experience advantage, Yan stepped up and produced the best performance of his UFC career to demolish “The California Kid” and put himself in pole position for a shot at the title.
After quickly finding his rhythm in the opening round, Yan loaded up and let fly in Round 2 and dropped Faber with a slick two-punch combination. Then, after Faber rallied back to his feet, Yan decked him again, this time with an elbow.
Yan was in his element and appeared to be thoroughly enjoying himself as he systematically dismantled Faber through the second round. And when the pair came out of their respective corners for the third, Yan went for the finish, and got it in spectacular fashion, thanks to a thumping head kick after shrugging off Faber’s clinch.
Yan bowed to the crowd with a smile on his face that signified a job well done, as he proved beyond any doubt that he was ready for a shot at UFC gold.
Now that chance will come against former two-time featherweight champion Jose Aldo at UFC 251 on Saturday night.
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