5 biggest storylines heading into UFC 273

Khamzat Chimaev is one of the brightest prospects in MMA history [Image via @khamzat_chimaev on Instagram]

UFC 273 is about as stacked as a card can be. Prospects are fighting, titles are on the line, and an always-exciting Florida crowd will energize the arena -- this pay-per-view has the potential to be one of the best in the promotion's history.

4 more days until @alexvolkanovski vs @KoreanZombieMMA!!!

#UFC273 is LIVE SATURDAY on @ESPNPlus PPV! @KidRock https://t.co/Vzl7oFZj5R

As we're only days away from this highly-touted event, the excitement is boiling over, and the weekend cannot come soon enough. Although fans will often criticize the merit of an event, almost everyone agrees that UFC 273 is well worth the hype it's received.

The beauty of the UFC 273 fight card is that even the prelims and early prelims are loaded to the brim with recognizable talent and hot prospects. It's undeniable that this card is well worth the watch, but what about the emotional investment?

There are so many implications with the outcome of the fights on this card - be it number one contenders or champions looking to assert who truly rules their division. The stories attached to the fighters performing at this event make everything about this card all the more exciting.

Here are the five biggest storylines heading into UFC 273:

#5. Petr Yan's corner

The political climate of the world will always spill over into day-to-day life. With Russia's recent invasion of Ukraine, Russian athletes have had a hard time with travel or even the opportunity to compete outside of their native land. While Petr Yan has already landed in America, his corner could not make it.

However, the former bantamweight champion doesn't seem too stressed out. He feels that he has what it takes to defeat the controversial champion, Aljamain Sterling, in their rematch without the advice of a corner to back him. Many UFC fighters are also of the opinion that 'No Mercy' is good enough to fight without cornermen.

Petr Yan doubles down on his star-studded corner, but doesn't want "sh*tty advice" 😅 #TheMMAHour

▶️ youtu.be/6XykbxRDFhA https://t.co/WIjT0GiBvY

Although unconventional cornering has been done before, with a prime example being Mike Perry only having his girlfriend in his corner, Yan is taking a different approach. Henry Cejudo will be cornering Chan Sung Jung in the main event at UFC 273 in his home state of Arizona. Another bantamweight fighter that resides in this southwest state is Sean O'Malley.

The 29-year-old interim champion has extended an invitation to both Cejudo and O'Malley to be functioning parts of his corner come April 9th. Although Cejudo may be busy warming up with 'The Korean Zombie' as his fight takes place directly after Yan's, the Russian fighter is hoping 'Triple C' will join his corner. Furthermore, O'Malley recently declined, but he's not one to shy away from surprises. It'll be interesting to see who will be there for Yan come fight day.