MIAMI, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Former bantamweight champion Petr "No Mercy" Yan snatched a much-needed victory over China's Song Yadong via unanimous decision at UFC 299 in Miami, Florida on Saturday.
A struggling Yan entered the octagon with a three-fight losing streak, while 26-year-old Song has moved up to seventh in the divisional ranks after winning five of his last six bouts including three KO/TKO victories.
Both fighters feinted and exchanged low kicks in the opening moments, with Song being the more offensive one before Yan launching a nice combination to respond. Yan was brought down with a bit more than one minute left but managed to get back on his feet at the buzzer.
Overcoming a slow start in the first round, Yan opened up in the second and landed several solid uppercuts and kicks, while Song was only able to deliver singular shots and failed on his takedown attempts.
Yan remained his momentum in the third and final round and secured another takedown with less than one minute left en route to a 29-28, 29-28, 29-28 unanimous decision victory.
"It was an important win for me. I'm back," said Yan after the fight.
"The fight didn't go as expected. My opponent is much more experienced as a former champion and I learned a lot," said Song who had to get stitches on his head. "I will come back stronger." ■
