Petr Yan unimpressed by Sean O'Malley's first UFC title defense, says Marlon Vera 'was gifted this title shot'

Petr Yan isn't impressed by the men fighting at Saturday's UFC 299 main event.

MIAMI – Petr Yan is not too impressed by the two men fighting for the UFC bantamweight title.

The former champion of the division doesn’t think either Sean O’Malley or Marlon Vera are worthy of competing for the belt this Saturday in the main event of UFC 299. He believes both men were gifted opportunities that led them to fight for UFC gold.

“I think Marlon Vera got a gift,” Yan told reporters at the UFC 299 media day on Wednesday through an interpreter. “He was gifted this title shot because he lost to Cory Sandhagen. Obviously, it’s not up to me who’s the title challenger, but I’m seriously in the mood to get back in the title race.

“Sean just picked a contender he could beat because he doesn’t believe he can bet any other top contenders in the division. And just to remind everyone how he got a title shot because he got gifted a decision against me.”

Yan (16-5 MMA, 8-4 UFC) takes on Yadong Song (21-7-1 MMA, 10-2-1 UFC) in the opening bout of the pay-per-view main card. He’s looking to break a three-fight winning streak and get back to his winning ways.

As far as his prediction for the main event of the card, Yan sees the fight as a toss-up.

“To be honest, it’s 50/50,” Yan said. “Whoever could force his game plan and his style is going to get the win.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 299.