Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan have pointed the finger at each other after news emerged that their bantamweight title rematch was pushed back a month from UFC 272 to UFC 273.
Fans have been eager to see a second fight between the two since their first battle ended controversially, with Sterling claiming he was unable to continue after being hit by an illegal knee strike from Petr Yan (who had appeared to be winning the fight up until that point), leading to a disqualification ruling and Sterling being crowned champion.
Any hopes of a swift rebooking of the fight were dashed however when Sterling opted to undergo neck surgery to fix a long-lasting issue, and then further delayed the fight later in the year after suffering ongoing issues from the operation.
However, in the wake of the news that the fight has been delayed yet again, Sterling has this time accused Yan of being the one responsible for the delay.
“Quick update,” Sterling said on The Weekly Scraps Podcast. “I know you guys probably seen some of the news, but yes, they are talking about pushing our fight back to April, not because of me.
“This is what I was told that ‘Yan isn’t vaccinated. Yan isn’t vaccinated so he can’t fight in March. I’m Yan and I’m not vaccinated so I can’t fight in March.’ I actually respect his gangster. If this is the real reason I actually respect his stance, I respect it, but it doesn’t make any sense. And I’m making fun of it because it’s like, was he going to be vaccinated in April. I don’t think so. What are we doing?”
Yan has since fired back though and insisted that he is vaccinated.
“Pathetic liar desperately trying to look good and control the narrative but it won’t work,” Yan replied. “I’m vaccinated and ready to bash you anywhere even tomorrow. UFC simply doesn’t want fake champion to headline the event.”
Needless to say Sterling disagreed.
“Lmao I’m only repeating what I was told from the bosses 🤷🏾♂️,” Sterling responded. “Don’t get your potato tits in a twist! I’d happily fuc k you up tmw too. That can easily be arranged.”
A fan later questioned who Sterling’s source was, which led to the following response from the champion.
“In all seriousness…Why would I do that? I got a call,” Sterling said. “The fights being pushed and the reasoning was because of Yan. Whether or not it’s true, idgaf 🤷🏾♂️
I’m just annoyed the fight is now 12 weeks instead of 8. Im gonna silence the “boogie man” for good.”
The plot then thickened as Yan came up with a different reason for why the fight had been delayed.
“Actually we were told that the fight was moved to April 9 so they could have a backup ready when you pull out again bitch,” Yan fired back.
“The fact that you’re delusional enough to think another fighter is “bitching out” against you tickles my balls more than it will when I drop them on your face April 9th,” Sterling retaliated.
“Every last word you say will be hilarious to say to you as I piss pound your face from full mount. #Receipts.
“Now stop sucking me and wait the extra weeks you needed like the good lil thot you are @PetrYanUFC 🐀”
With Sterling vs. Yan being pushed from UFC 272’s main event just days after a featherweight title encounter between Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway was also scrapped, the event now proceeds with a brand-new headliner as Colby Covington battles his bitter rival Jorge Masvidal.
