JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Petr Yan might not be willing to wait until eventually UFC 273 to throw down with Aljamain Sterling, but that perspective does not go each strategies.
All through Wednesday’s media day, Yan (16-2 MMA, 8-1 UFC) explained he’s all set to “kill” Sterling (20-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC) and his complete workforce prior to Saturday’s bantamweight title unification bout at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. The main card airs on shell out-for every-perspective pursuing prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.
Sterling observed all those responses to be completely amusing, and expressed how he’s just fine with ready until eventually it’s a sanctioned scrap wherever each adult males will get compensated for their physicality.
All those sentiments were being echoed by Sterling’s teammates and cornermen. UFC light-weight Al Iaquinta said he’s having difficulties to grasp what Yan’s angle is with his responses.
“He’s not going to do anything at all,” Iaquinta instructed MMA Junkie. “Fight’s on Saturday evening and he’s bought a ton to be fearful about. He really should depart the groups out of it. … Poor idea. Aljo’s carrying out his issue Saturday night time. Excellent luck.”
UFC bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili, who will also be in Sterling’s corner for the fight, reported he’s not going to interact with Yan or his group prior to UFC 273. Afterward, nonetheless, will be an solely distinctive scenario.
“He manufactured massive slip-up,” Dvalishvili said. “Aljo will exhibit him, Aljo will finish him. .. We gonna enable him fight to start with then we’re likely to just take care of him and his group soon after.”
Tensions are evidently rising as the time for the Sterling vs. Yan rematch methods. The 1st fight, which took place at UFC 259 in March 2021, observed Sterling acquire the 135-pound belt following absorbing an illegal knee that led to a disqualification.