Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee UFC Abu Dhabi: Odds, Schedule, and Fight Prediction
Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee UFC Abu Dhabi Overview
On July 26, UFC fans will witness a compelling bantamweight clash between Petr Yan and Marcus McGhee at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Yan is gaining momentum after overcoming a challenging period last year, aiming to secure his third consecutive victory. Meanwhile, McGhee is impressive himself, riding a six-fight winning streak and looking to extend his success to seven.
While both fighters are in excellent form, betting odds strongly favor Petr Yan, making him one of the top favorites for the event. Let’s explore the matchup, the odds, and what factors might influence the outcome.
Fight Odds
| Fighter | Moneyline Odds |
|---|---|
| Petr Yan | -350 |
| Marcus McGhee | +285 |
Event Details: When and Where to Watch
Location: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Time: 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Broadcast: ABC
Why Petr Yan is the Favorite at -350
Petr Yan is a former UFC Bantamweight champion with a strong track record in title competition, having participated in four championship bouts between 2020 and 2022. Although he lost two of those fights, the decisions were marked by controversy. Notably, his disqualification loss to Aljamain Sterling in 2021 was due to an accidental illegal knee. The following year, he also suffered a split decision loss to Sterling, which sparked debate among fans and analysts.
Aside from these, Yan was edged out in two additional fights, narrowly losing to Sean O’Malley and then to Merab Dvalishvili by unanimous decision. Those defeats, however, came against tough competitors and did not diminish his standing. Yan bounced back impressively, ending his losing streak last year with victories over Song Yadong and Deiveson Figueiredo, securing both wins by decision with superior striking.
Marcus McGhee’s Potential to Upset
Known as “The Maniac,” Marcus McGhee is recognized for his relentless striking pace, averaging over six significant strikes per minute. This aggressive style has contributed to 80% of his victories coming by way of knockout or technical knockout.
In terms of grappling, McGhee primarily relies on solid takedown defense, which remains flawless across his four UFC bouts. However, the wrestlers he has faced so far are not at the elite level of competition he will encounter against Yan. This gap may present challenges for McGhee in this upcoming contest.
Fight Prediction: Yan vs. McGhee
Scheduled for three rounds, this matchup is expected to go the distance. The fight will likely be decided on points based on who lands more significant strikes or achieves successful takedowns.
Our prediction favors Petr Yan. Although McGhee is quicker with his hands, Yan’s superior wrestling ability and takedown proficiency are key advantages. It’s anticipated that Yan will secure multiple takedowns to control the fight and earn a decision victory.
Pick: Petr Yan by Decision