A rematch between UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling and former title holder Petr Yan is being targeted for the promotion’s October 30th event, per a report from Ariel Helwani.
Should the fight be finalized, it would join UFC 267, which is reportedly taking place in Abu Dhabi.
Sterling earned the 135-pound belt earlier this year in controversial fashion, as an illegal knee from Yan in the fourth round forced a disqualification finish. The outcome handed Yan his first loss in 10 pro bouts, with his previous defeat predating his UFC career altogether.
Yan had earned the UFC Bantamweight Championship in his previous appearance, defeating Jose Aldo via split decision in 2020 to claim the then-vacant belt.
Sterling was put in the title position after going on a five-fight win streak from 2018 to 2020.
The bantamweight matchup is now the second title fight set for UFC 267. As previously reported, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jan Blachowicz is expected to meet Glover Teixeira at the event as well.
It was noted in the report from journalist Helwani that UFC are looking to air the event either on TV or on streaming service ESPN+. This would be a dramatic change compared to their usual numbered shows, which frequently air live on pay-per-view.
Here are the fights that have been reported for the card thus far:
Bout 4: Aljamain Sterling (20-3) vs. Petr Yan (15-2) (UFC Bantamweight Championship)
Bout 3: Jan Blachowicz (28-8) vs. Glover Teixeira (32-7) (UFC Light Heavyweight Championship)
Bout 2: Amanda Ribas (10-2) vs. Virna Jandiroba (17-2) (Strawweight)
Bout 1: Li Jingliang (18-6) vs. Khamzat Chimaev (9-0) (Welterweight)
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