It appears fans may have to wait for the highly anticipated rematch between Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan.
The two were originally scheduled to run things back at UFC 272 in March at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, but according to UFC bantamweight champion Sterling (20-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC), his first title defense will now likely take place a month later.
“Apparently it isn’t until April now. The potato can’t duck me forever!”
Apparently it isn’t until April now. The potato can’t duck me forever! https://t.co/Y4INutKSsS
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) January 10, 2022
This will mark the third time a fight between Sterling and Yan (16-2 MMA, 8-1 UFC) has been canceled or postponed. Yan withdrew from their first scheduled bout at UFC 256 due to personal reasons, and the fight was rebooked for UFC 259 in March. Sterling was awarded the belt via disqualification when Yan struck him with an illegal knee that rendered “The Funkmaster” unable to continue.
The rematch was set for UFC 267 in October, but this time Sterling was the one who withdrew due to lingering issues from neck surgery. Yan faced Cory Sandhagen for the interim bantamweight title instead, outlasting him in a thrilling standup battle.
Yan capturing the interim title only raised the stakes for his rematch with Sterling, who took the opportunity to poke fun at Yan for delaying their fight.
“I guess Cheotr and I, are even now in pulling out of fights for serious injuries. Oh wait… “personal reasons” isn’t an injury I’m coming for your boy! Trust me!”
I guess Cheotr and I, are even now in pulling out of fights for serious injuries. Oh wait… “personal reasons” isn’t an injury
I’m coming for your boy! Trust me! https://t.co/ylEMkvAR6S https://t.co/98qQY2e5uN pic.twitter.com/M1YDtMKHS7
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) January 10, 2022
