There’s no definite date set just yet, but the UFC’s interim Bantamweight title holder Petr Yan is promising to bring the pain to champion Aljamain Sterling whenever their unification match is determined.
Yan and Sterling were supposed to meet for a rematch in October, following the controversial disqualification of Yan and subsequent title award to Sterling at UFC 259 in March. That rematch, however, was postponed due to Sterling not being medically cleared after a neck surgery. Instead, Yan faced off against Cory Sandhagen, securing the interim belt and guaranteeing himself a shot at the bantamweight championship.
“This time I will destroy this little whiner even more impressive” Yan posted to his Twitter account, recalling how Yan had been seemingly dominating Sterling in their last bout, before he threw an illegal knee that cost him the title.
Sterling, for his part, seems just as eager as his Russian nemesis to get back into the cage and defend his title.
“I’m hoping it’s gonna be on that March card, we’ll see what happens. I know Sean (Shelby) said February, March, April … April’s just so far. March would be ideal,” Sterling said in a recent podcast. “I’m already gearing up. I thought COVID was gonna slow me down more but I’m just excited to get back out there and compete. It’s gonna be a good one and the fans are gonna get their money’s worth and that’s all that matters to me. I wanna make money and I wanna shut these clowns up.”
Regardless of who wins the reunification match in 2022, it seems clear that there is plenty of talent waiting in the wings to challenge the newly crowned champion. Both TJ Dilleshaw and Jose Aldo are already lined up for their chance at the belt, as is Cory Sandhagen and several others.
2022, it seems, is going to be quite a year for the 135-lb class. Let’s see how it all plays out!
Who do you think should be next in line for the Bantamweight title? When do you think the rematch will go down? Email rvann@rockawave.com, I’d love to hear from you!
Photo from UFC.com
The Link LonkDecember 31, 2021 at 02:35PM
https://www.rockawave.com/articles/i-will-destroy-this-little-whiner/
'I Will Destroy This Little Whiner' | The Wave - The Wave, Rockaway's Newspaper Since 1893
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