Aljamain Sterling was set to take on Petr Yan next month at UFC 256. However, news broke out recently that the UFC canceled the fight because Petr Yan was not able to travel to the United States due to visa-related issues. The fight will now take place sometime in early 2021
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A fight getting canceled is a blow to a fighter as it puts months of hard work down the drain. It is even more painful when it is for the title shot, and especially when it is your first title shot. Therefore, it is understandable that ‘Funkmaster’ is upset about the cancellation of the fight and has voiced his opinion on the same.
Aljamain Sterling compares his fight against Petr Yan to Khabib vs Tony
In an interview, Sterling gave his thoughts on his rescheduled fight against Petr Yan. He said, “I’m kinda starting to feel like Tony Ferguson a little bit. The Ferguson-Khabib fight not happening, it kinda feels like that. I just hope eventually it does come to fruition. We need this for the division and I think it will [happen].”
Aljamain Sterling has seen snake-bitten fights before, but is staying positive that he'll eventually face Petr Yan.
(via @arielhelwani) pic.twitter.com/7scCkGzwaV
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 25, 2020
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Tony Ferguson is perhaps the most cursed fight in the promotion’s history. MMA fans were eager to see a match between two of the best at 155. However, the fight never materialized. The UFC scheduled it five times but never took place due to some reason or the other.
Sterling comparing his fight against Yan being called off to that of Khabib vs Tony in a bit of an exaggeration, as his fight has been canceled once.
Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 06: Aljamain Sterling celebrates after his submission victory over Cory Sandhagen in their bantamweight bout during the UFC 250 event at UFC APEX on June 06, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
However, it is understandable given that Sterling might be extremely emotional about the recent developments. ‘Funkmaster’ is riding a five-fight win streak and is one of the best at bantamweight.
He will aim to dethrone ‘No Mercy’ who in his own right seems unstoppable. The fight will be without a doubt an extremely close and competitive one. MMA fans will hope it takes place as soon as possible and does not follow the path of Tony vs Khabib as Sterling feels it is.
