Petr Yan awarded Medal of the Order for Services to the Fatherland

The Russian government has bestowed one of its most distinguished civilian honors upon former UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan, awarding him the Medal of the Order for Services to the Fatherland, Second Degree, as announced on April 22, 2026.

The medal recognizes Yan's contributions to the development of physical culture and sports in Russia, acknowledging both his athletic accomplishments and his role as a representative of the country on the global stage of mixed martial arts.

Yan, 33, carries a professional record of 20 wins and 5 losses competing at bantamweight. Known by his nickname "No Mercy," the switch-stance fighter out of the Archangel Michael Club stands five-foot-seven with a 67-inch reach and has long been regarded as one of the most technically accomplished strikers in his division. He lands an impressive 5.12 significant strikes per minute at a 54 percent accuracy rate, while also contributing on the ground with 1.58 takedowns per 15 minutes. He has held the UFC bantamweight title during his career, cementing his place among the most successful Russian fighters in the promotion's history.

Why it matters

• The state honor elevates Yan's profile beyond the sport, recognizing his cultural and national significance to Russia
• As an active bantamweight competitor with a 20-5 record, the recognition comes while Yan remains a relevant force in the division
• The award underscores the Russian government's continued investment in celebrating athletes who represent the country at the highest levels of international sport