via Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 06: (R-L) Petr Yan of Russia delivers an illegal knee against Aljamain Sterling in their UFC bantamweight championship fight during the UFC 259 event at UFC APEX on March 06, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
via Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 06: (R-L) Petr Yan of Russia delivers an illegal knee against Aljamain Sterling in their UFC bantamweight championship fight during the UFC 259 event at UFC APEX on March 06, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Petr Yan is the current interim UFC bantamweight champion of the world. He took this title after defeating his most recent opponent, Cory Sandhagen, as UFC 267’s co-main event. The thrilling fight lasted full twenty-five minutes, going all five rounds.
The clash between the two demonstrated one of the finest fighting skills in the MMA world. The fight began with the first round being dominated by Cory’s leg strikes and constant stance changes. However, Yan showed his true potential in the second round with his powerful punching and array of spinning combos.
Previously, Petr lost his bantamweight belt to Aljamain Sterling in a very unfortunate way. Although the fight was in Petr’s control, an illegal knee in the fourth round led to his disqualification. Not only did he lose the title, but Yan also became the first champion to do so in such a fashion.
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Consequently, the two were set for a rematch at UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi on October 30. Unfortunately, the plans got canceled because of Sterling’s neck issues. Following this, ‘No Mercy’ recently sent a message to “Funk Master’. He shared on tweeter, “Friendly reminder that Alga is my b***h. This time I will destroy this little whiner even more impressive.”
Friendly reminder that Alga is my bitch. This time I will destroy this little whiner even more impressive.
— Petr “No Mercy” Yan (@PetrYanUFC) December 26, 2021
Sterling also replied to this claiming this rematch would be a huge payday for him.
Gonna be night and day. I hope he sleeps on me and truly believe that was my best version. Gonna be a huge payout for me.
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) December 26, 2021
Fans in the comment showed their excitement for this much-awaited battle
Petr Yan vs Aljamain Sterling: Redemption match for both
After the first square off, Aljamain seemed very emotional. He shared, “That’s Not The Way I Wanted To Win”. According to Joe Rogan, Sterling was only one point behind Yan in two judge scorecards and ahead by one in one judges’ card.
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Both the fighters are looking for a proper redemption bout to earn the bantamweight champion title in the right way. Since his last fight against Yan, Aljamain hasn’t fought another fighter.
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Although their rematch isn’t confirmed yet, who do you think will win in the rematch? Petr Yan or Aljamain Sterling? Let us know your picks and speculations in the comment section below.
