The bantamweight division’s biggest rivalry currently has received yet another twist in its story.
UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling won’t be able to have his rematch against Petr Yan at the promotion’s October 30th event, as he has reportedly withdrawn from his matchup due to injury.
News of Sterling’s withdrawal was first reported by Mike Heck and Damon Martin of MMA Fighting. The bout was scheduled to take place at UFC 267, which is set to happen at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Sterling became the 135-pound champ in March, as an illegal knee by Yan in the fourth round of action caused him a disqualification. Before then, Yan had earned the belt with a victory over Jose Aldo in 2020.
Sterling was given the title bout after a strong five-fight win streak from 2018 to 2020.
Despite Sterling, the champion, withdrawing from the card, Yan could reportedly still fight on that date. While nothing has been confirmed, the promotion is reportedly looking to put the former champ in an interim title fight against Cory Sandhagen per reports from MMA Junkie and Ariel Helwani.
UFC 267 is still currently expected to have a fight between UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jax Blachowicz and Glover Teixeira in the main event.
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