Petr Yan admits he did not mean to throw the illegal knee strike that ended his bout at UFC 259.
But he also knows he must face the consequences for his actions.
Yan hit Aljamain Sterling with an illegal knee that ended their title fight Saturday night, costing him the belt in the process.
The now-former champion was dominating the action when the fight was called off.
Sterling showed little interest in leaving with the title in that fashion, but did admit he felt the bout should be stopped and the blow was intentional.
“I apologize and wish speedy recovery to (Sterling),” Yan posted on social media. “I didn’t mean to throw an illegal strike, I just made a big mistake and paid for it.”
I apologize and wish speedy recovery to @funkmasterMMA I didn’t mean to throw an illegal strike, I just made a big mistake and paid for it.
— Petr “No Mercy” Yan (@PetrYanUFC) March 7, 2021
A rematch is likely to be put together once both fighters are cleared to return.