Aljamain Sterling can now end his relentless campaign to get a shot at UFC gold. The fighter will get his chance to fight the 135-pound champ, Petr Yan, for the belt later this year at UFC 256.
UFC President Dana White told Yahoo Sports that the Russian champ has his first title defense lined up for him. ‘Funk Master’ will meet Petr Yan in the co-main event of UFC 256 which will take place on December 12.
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I did an interview with @danawhite a few minutes ago. He confirmed that @PetrYanUFC v @funkmasterMMA will be co-main event of UFC 256 on Dec. 12 in Vegas. Nunes-Anderson will be the main.
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) October 14, 2020
Sterling is the No. 1 ranked contender in a stacked bantamweight division. The ‘Funk Master’ has made his way to the top by defeating all five of his previous opponents. Moreover, he’s won seven out of his last eight fights. The only loss came against former title challenger Marlon Moraes.
Sterling’s last outing in the UFC took place at UFC 250 earlier this year. He handed fellow UFC bantamweight Cory Sandhagen a submission loss in just over a minute in the first round.
Read More: “Where You At, Dana!”- Aljamain Sterling Calls for Dana White After Putting Cory Sandhagen to Sleep
Upon hearing the news about the upcoming fight, Sterling expressed his excitement on Twitter.
FINALLY! https://t.co/4WJDC59k9V pic.twitter.com/1tOuDBxIzk
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) October 14, 2020
Petr Yan won the UFC bantamweight championship by defeating Jose Aldo at UFC 251
Petr Yan has had a flawless run so far in the UFC. He has disposed of every challenge that stood in front of him. His most high-profile win came over UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber. After bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo retired at UFC 249, ‘No Mercy’ had the chance to have UFC gold around his waist.
He capitalized on the opportunity and defeated long-time UFC featherweight kingpin, Jose Aldo. Ever since the victory, Sterling has had his eyes on Yan’s belt. The two have been engaged in frequent banters on Twitter.
#ComingOnThatThrone! pic.twitter.com/UHwQ4lzNbZ
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) October 14, 2020
Sterling referred to Yan as ‘paper champ’ as he won the gold by defeating someone who was coming off a loss in their divisional debut. With the two set to fight each other, they will finally settle this beef inside the octagon.
The fight might serve as the co-main event of UFC 256, which takes place on 12th December. A match between UFC double champ Amanda Nunes and Megan Anderson for the former’s 145-pound belt will headline the card.
Read More: “Paper Yan is a Paper Champion”- Aljamain Sterling Trolls Petr Yan
