Yan vs. Sterling Title Fight Off of UFC 256

UFC 256 is going through some changes with their main event according to multiple reports. The bantamweight title fight between champion Petr Yan and Aljamain Sterling has been postponed until February according to an initial report from MMA Island and confirmed later by MMA Fighting. 

The news seemed to emerge not long after UFC 255 was over and during the post-fight press conference, Dana White said he would like to turn around flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno soon. He went as far as to say “We’re going to keep him [Figueiredo] here” so it may have been news that had just gotten to White at that time. Both fighters verbally agreed to face one another as well.

As luck would have it, both Figueiredo and Moreno picked up first-round finishes in both of their matches at UFC 255. Figueiredo submitted title challenger Alex Perez in the first round, and Moreno won against Brandon Royval with a first-round TKO. Both seemed to get their wins with no damage and being ready and in town, the situation seems to make it an easy choice as a replacement main event. 

Yan’s removal was cited as “personal issues” but Sterling seemed to handle the news well based on his reactions on social media. “Everything happens for a reason. I hope everything is good with you and your family,” Sterling sent to Yan in a tweet, adding, “We will settle our business when you can be 100% focused and ready to give the fans the best show we can. See you soon.”

UFC 256 would be the final pay-per-view in a year that has proven challenging for the UFC, MMA, and the entire world due to COVID-19. However, with matchmaking and logistics being one of the biggest hurdles in putting on events this year, this seems like a no-brainer.

How do you think UFC 256 will turn out?

Related News

Top Stories

UFC Store

Paddy Pimblett: Ilia Topuria Didn’t Move Up Because Of The Weight Cut, He ‘Ran’ From Volkanovski

Ilia Topuria’s bold decision to vacate his featherweight title and make the jump to...

UFC Fight Night: Manel Kape vs. Asu Almabayev Weigh-In Live Stream & Results

UFC Fight Night: Manel Kape vs. Asu Almabayev takes place on Saturday, and MMA...

Kash Patel Said To Be Considering UFC-FBI Partnership To Train Agents In Martial Arts

Kash Patel appears to have an intriguing vision — one that could potentially lead...

UFC Lightweight Bitter After Missing Out On Justin Gaethje Fight: ‘Strikers Have Always Feared Wrestlers!’

A UFC lightweight contender seems to be fuming after being passed over for the...

Merab Dvalishvili’s Teammate Learns His Punishment For Striking Fan At UFC 310

The Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) has issued a nine-month suspension and $2,500 fine to...

Dustin Poirier Responds To Claim He Rejected Justin Gaethje Trilogy At UFC 313

Dustin Poirier has refuted any suggestion he outright rejected a potential short-notice clash with...

‘Mitchell’s Toughest Opponent Yet…Outside Of Basic Science’ – Fans React To Bryce Mitchell vs. Jean Silva Joining UFC 314 Card

Rising UFC featherweight contender Jean Silva has had his wish to share the cage...

Justin Gaethje Claims 5 Big Names Turned Down UFC 313 Fight Before Rafael Fiziev Rematch Got Booked

Former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has a replacement opponent set for UFC 313...

Marlon Vera Set To Face Opponent On Seven-Fight Win Streak At UFC Fight Night On May 3

Marlon Vera is seemingly set for a showdown with a stylistically challenging opponent in...