UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has been subject to a lot of hate online after he had to withdraw from his UFC 267 fight against Petr Yan. Sterling had neck surgery not so long ago. The issues related to it are still lingering, and the doctors didn’t give him the nod to compete at the pay-per-view.
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Sterling won the belt at UFC 259 after the former champion, Petr Yan, landed an illegal knee and the challenger wasn’t able to continue. Fans have ridiculed him for long for the manner in which he won the title. And now having to pull out from the rematch made those mockings even more intense toward Sterling.
Ppl are all doctors out there Ali. It’s my body and I have to live in it for the rest of my life! I will be back as soon as I’m ready to physically compete the right way. When you win, they love you. When you lose, a lot turn their back. When you look out for your health, ur a 🤡
Everyone give @funkmasterMMA shit, I don’t know what the he’ll they’re talking about, I had a neck surgery and minimum you need 9-12 months to heal, and if you rush it, you will be paralyzed for the rest of your life.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s manager came out in Sterling’s support on Twitter. “Everyone give @funkmasterMMA sh*t, I don’t know what the he’ll they’re talking about, I had a neck surgery and minimum you need 9-12 months to heal, and if you rush it, you will be paralyzed for the rest of your life,” said Abdelaziz.
“Ppl are all doctors out there Ali. It’s my body and I have to live in it for the rest of my life! I will be back as soon as I’m ready to physically compete the right way. When you win, they love you. When you lose, a lot turn their back. When you look out for your health, ur a (clown),” Sterling replied.
With Sterling injured, the co-main event has fallen apart. Hence, it seems like the promotion will have to look elsewhere if they want to keep another title fight on the card.
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The UFC is looking to make an interim belt with Aljamain Sterling injured
Aljo’s injury means Yan needs a fight in the meantime. It was reported that an interim title fight might be made. Cory Sandhagen seems to be the front runner to take on Yan for that. However, that bout is yet to be announced. Hence, as of now, ‘No Mercy’s status at UFC 267 is in limbo.
It remains to be seen when Sterling heals up and is ready to compete again. If he will be out for 9-12 months, the UFC would surely opt for an interim belt to keep the division running. If they do take this route, who should be next for Petr Yan?