For all the intensity he brings into a fight, Petr Yan’s fiercest loyalty exists far from the Octagon. Fans know him as ‘No Mercy,’ a stone-faced technician with championship credentials. But at home, the former bantamweight king answers to two very different roles, father and husband. Those roles have shaped him just as much as his time in the gym, especially now, as he prepares for his rematch against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 323.

Yan’s journey through title wins, controversial losses, and comeback attempts hasn’t been easy. Yet throughout every high and low, one constant has kept him grounded: his family. So who are the people behind the fighter, and how do they influence the man who steps into the cage?

Meet Petr Yan’s two sons: Daniil and Konstantin

Petr Yan and Julia Yan’s first son, Daniil, was born in 2016, bringing a new chapter of joy and responsibility to their lives. The couple welcomed their second son, Konstantin, in 2020, solidifying their family bond. Yan’s social media occasionally offers glimpses into his family life, with posts showing him sharing playful moments with his children. Whether it’s teaching them basic exercises or simply enjoying a day together, these moments highlight his dedication to fatherhood.

Yet, behind every great fighter stands a strong partner, and for Petr Yan, that person is his wife, Julia. She has been a constant source of support throughout the Russian fighter’s journey from a young athlete to a world-renowned UFC fighter. As high-school sweethearts, their relationship began long before Petr even started competing in MMA. The couple first met in Dudinka, their hometown in Russia, and have been together ever since.

Julia stood by Petr during his early struggles, offering unwavering encouragement as he pursued his dreams of becoming a professional fighter. While Julia Yan largely stays out of the spotlight, she plays an integral role in her partner’s life.

A devoted mother to their two sons, she focuses on creating a stable and nurturing environment for their family. Her dedication allows Petr Yan to fully immerse himself in his training and career, knowing that their children are well cared for. But fatherhood didn’t just change Yan’s home life; it reshaped the way he approaches fighting itself.

How fatherhood has shaped Yan’s mindset as a fighter

Fatherhood has also influenced Yan’s mindset as a fighter, with him opening up about how becoming a parent gave him a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility. Every punch thrown, every match fought, and every victory secured is driven by a desire to provide for his family and set an example for his sons. The sacrifices he makes in training camps and during fights are all to ensure a better future for Daniil and Konstantin. Though Petr Yan prefers keeping much of his private life away from the public eye, what he does share about his family reflects a man deeply committed to his family.

His children are the anchor that keeps him grounded amid the chaos of professional fighting. While the world knows him as a former UFC bantamweight champion and one of the division’s most feared competitors, those closest to him know him as a loving father. Whether he leaves UFC 323 with gold or simply with pride, one thing remains certain: the legacy Petr Yan is building at home will outlast any title he wins in the Octagon.