The reigning UFC Bantamweight Champion, Aljamain Sterling’s controversial win against Petr Yan has perhaps called criticism for the champ. Sterling after pulling out from UFC 267 again received backlash. Ahead of UFC 273 let us take a look at times when Sterling was pulled, out of the fight cards.
Sterling was expected to face Raphael Assuncao in December 2016 UFC Fight Night 102 but was forced out of the card due to an injury. Later when the fight was rescheduled, Assuncao came out as the winner via decision.
‘Funk Master’ was going to fight against Mitch Gagnon at UFC Fight Night Oct. 4 2014. But was forced to pull out of his fight with Gagnon after suffering an undisclosed injury in training.
Sterling was expected to face Yan on Dec 12 2020 at UFC 256, canceled by UFC due to personal reasons for Yan. The fight was later postponed. This time it wasn't Sterling who pulled out.
This time it was Frankie Saenz who pulled himself out from the fight on November 8 2014. UFC Fight Night 55. Eventually, the event was scrapped and Sterling was pulled out from the event.
Sterling reportedly pulled out of UFC 267 due to an injury. It was set to be their second meeting inside the octagon. The two fought in March, with Sterling winning after Yan was disqualified due to an illegal knee to Sterling's head.