Getting back to the UFC title isn’t easy, but for Petr Yan, it’s uniquely difficult. Yan held the bantamweight belt and was seemingly unbeatable, but his recent decline has thrown bettors for a loop. It seems that Yan is booked for UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi and is scheduled to fight Marcus McGhee, a rising contender with knockout power. It is a high-reward, high-risk fight.
If you’re perusing MMA betting websites for Yan, he is the one you need to decide on. McGhee is an up-and-coming slugger and Yan is his next bump in the road. Is this the fight he needs for a major comeback? Or is he right in the midst of a losing streak, resulting in a deeper downward spiral?
Recent History: A Top Decline
Petr Yan’s current record of 1-4 in his last five attempts is a major deterrent for casual bettors. He has lost fights to Aljamain Sterling (DQ and then legit loss), Sean O’Malley, and Merab Dvalishvili. All of these are top-tier fighters. But it’s more than just the losses; it’s how these fights were lost.
Yan’s boxing, which used to incorporate pressure and aggression, has become more predictable. He is still aggressive; however, his footwork is quite predictable and his output decreases in the latter frames of upcoming fights. Yan has not fought well for a long time. In the Dvalishvili fight, Yan didn’t look very good. He looked tired and over the five rounds, he was outpaced.
Yan is still in the game. He is simply beaten by top-of-the-line wrestlers and decision-hunters. McGhee? He is more of a finisher. That could play into Yan’s willhouse.
The Matchup: Marcus McGhee’s Style and Threat
McGhee brings the fire with power and flash. He has gone 3-0 in the UFC and finished all of his fights. Unpredictable timing, wild hooks and ground and pound boxing are his specialties. He has solid defense and does not hesitate. McGhee is 33, not a young prospect, but rather a fighter in his prime.
What he does not have is big fight experience. This will be his first “real” fight against a former champion. No one is as experienced as Yan is compared to McGhee. Yan thrives against aggressive strikers, as we all saw with Cory Sanders; Yan picked him apart in a five-rounder. If McGhee overcommits or if he tries to coast through the later rounds, Yan can easily steal rounds.
The Betting Lines
As of now, most major sportsbooks have Yan as a slight favorite, around -140 to -160. McGhee is hovering at +120 to +135.
And this is telling. Oddsmakers value Yan’s resume, but they’re also cautious. Bettors are split. Some bet on Yan’s skill and experience. Others bet on what they perceive as a declining trend for the fighter.
What makes this betting line interesting is that McGhee’s value seems good, but the tape reveals otherwise. His wide stance and footwork make him vulnerable to Yan’s counters. McGhee does throw dangerously hard, but his defense is nonexistent.
You could say that McGhee has a higher ceiling right now. But Yan has a higher floor. That is important in a three-round fight.
Why This Fight is Important for the Division
This isn’t just a random co-main. It’s a gatekeeper test. With a Yan victory, he’s back in the top-five conversation. A McGhee victory, and he might get a ranked name next.
The bantamweight division is a bit of a traffic jam at the moment. Merab is first in line for the title shot. O’Malley is still the champion. Cejudo might take another “retirement,” and Cory Sandhagen is still on the mend. So, there’s room to maneuver.
For wagers, this is essential. And especially with motivation. Petr Yan absolutely needs this win. His relevancy in the UFC is on the line. If that motivates the best version of him, a wager on Yan stands to win.
This is the point where a solid UFC betting guide comes in — looking beyond just record comparisons and seeing how stakes, pressure, and style shape the fight.
Intangibles: Fight IQ, Camp, and Wear
Yan’s fight IQ used to be one of his strengths. Lately, it’s looked shaky. Not reacting to level changes. Waiting too long to throw. Still, he’s reportedly had a solid camp in Thailand and stayed injury-free.
McGhee’s team is hyped, but they’re less tested at this level. Yan has been in five-round wars. McGhee hasn’t seen the third round yet.
Also worth noting: Yan’s only been finished once — by submission. McGhee has never gone the distance in the UFC. That gives bettors another angle: if you trust McGhee, maybe you bet inside the distance. If you trust Yan, maybe you can make by decision. Both options offer plus-money payouts.
Betting Strategy Breakdown
If you’re looking for straight picks:
- Safe bet: Yan moneyline (−140 to −160)
- Value play: McGhee by KO (+300 to +350)
- Sharp angle: Yan by decision (+180 to +220)
Parlays? Yan as a parlay piece isn’t the worst idea if you’re stacking favorites, but this fight has volatility. It’s not a lock. Treat it like a single bet unless you’re playing small units.
Over/Under? Most lines set the total at 2.5 rounds. Under could hit if McGhee lands something early. But smart money leans Over — Yan is durable and strategic.
What to Watch During the Fight
First 2 minutes: Can McGhee land clean early? If he doesn’t, Yan starts downloading data fast.
Round 2 pace: If McGhee fades even slightly, Yan’s pressure could overwhelm him.
Grappling: If either guy initiates grappling, it’s likely Yan. That could slow things down and favor Over bets.
Cutting angles: Yan has better cage control. McGhee needs to move laterally, not backward.
Should You Bet on Petr Yan?
If you believe in experience, composure, and championship rounds — Yan is your guy. If you want momentum, knockout upside, and value, McGhee is the swing-for-the-fence choice.
Just remember: MMA betting isn’t just about “who wins.” It’s about how, when, and what odds you’re getting.
Yan is still sharp enough to outclass McGhee if he shows up focused. But his margin for error is smaller now. You’re betting on a former champ still chasing relevance.
If you’re using smart MMA betting sites, track line movement until weigh-ins. This fight could close even tighter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How Expert Picks Improve Success Rates on UFC Betting Sites?
A: For UFC betting sites, they highlight stylistic matchups and expose public bias. Great for avoiding trap lines.
Q: What are the Best Bets for Yan McGhee Fight?
A: If you think Yan will win, then Yan by decision offers good value. For those who like McGhee, winning inside the distance would be better than ML.
Q: Is Adding Yan to Your Parlays is McGhee Worth It?
A: Yan is alright to add to low-risk parlays, but not to high-risk ones. This is not a lock. Think of him like a coin flip, but with some upside.
Q: Check Relevant Lines For Fights On?
A: You can look at line movement on DraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel. Those are all good sites for MMA, and they have the history of the odds.
Q: What Is the Best Safe Bet to Make If You’re Unsure Who the Winner Is?
A: Taking over 2.5 rounds is the safest. Both fighters have great chins, and odds are they’re better than picking a side.
Final Bell: Bet on Skill or Momentum?
Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee isn’t just another name on the UFC Abu Dhabi card — it’s a crossroads. One guy’s trying to reclaim his seat at the table; the other’s crashing the party for the first time.
If you’re betting this fight, you’re choosing between proven experience and surging energy. Yan has the tools, the cardio, and the résumé. McGhee has the heat, the power, and nothing to lose.
That kind of contrast is what sharp bettors live for.
Whether you lean toward the calculated technician or the explosive finisher, make sure you’re placing that bet with a sportsbook that gives you real value, real props, and real-time line movement. Don’t just guess — strategize, bet smart, and stay ahead.
UFC Fight Night is locked in. Time to pick a side.
Hilbert Mayer
Sports Writer
Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.
Published on: July 25, 2025
Last updated: July 25, 2025