Petr Yan ’s American Top Team coach, Marcos DaMatta, recalls the corner advice that was given to the Russian moments before he lost his bantamweight championship. Yan (15-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC) was disqualified after striking Aljamain Sterling with an illegal knee at UFC 259. Sterling was rendered unable to continue and, as a result, crowned the new champion. Questions were raised at Yan’s decision to throw the knee when Sterling was a downed opponent. UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who was seated near the octagon during the fight, told commentator on duty Daniel Cormier that he heard one of Yan’s cornermen say “knee him” in Russian, which prompted Yan to throw the illegal strike. But “Parrumpa,” who was in Yan’s corner, told MMA Junkie that’s not exactly how things unfolded.
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Petr Yan’s coach clears up corner confusion in UFC 259 DQ loss to Aljamain Sterling – MMA Junkie