After some hiccups to get to the next UFC bantamweight championship fight in the octagon, Petr Yan and Aljamain Sterling finally have a new date.
Two people with knowledge of the situation informed MMA Junkie on Thursday that contracts have been issued to Yan (15-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC) and Sterling (19-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC) for the UFC 259 event in March. the fighting card for three championship fights.
The people asked for anonymity because the UFC has not yet made an official announcement.
UFC 259 takes place on March 6. A location and venue have not been disclosed, but the main map will be broadcast on pay-per-view following prelims expected on ESPN and ESPN +.
Yan has put down a brilliant unbeaten run in the UFC so far, conquering every enemy in front of him. After Henry Cejudo left the 135-pound title earlier this year, Yan claimed the vacant tie against Jose Aldo at UFC 251 last July.
He was scheduled to make his first title defense at UFC 256 in December, but had to withdraw due to personal issues.
Sterling, 31, earned his title shot with a winning streak of five fights and wins in seven of his last eight bouts overall. He’s coming off Cory Sandhagen’s quick first round at UFC 250 in June.
The latest UFC 259 fight card now includes:
Jan Blachowicz vs. Israel Adesanya – for Light Heavyweight Title Amanda Nunes vs. Megan Anderson – Women’s Featherweight Title Petr Yan vs. Aljamain Sterling – for Bantamweight Title Aleksandar Rakic vs. Thiago Santos Dominick Cruz vs. Casey Kenney Drew Dober vs. Islam Makhachev Askar Askarov v Joseph Benavidez Sean Brady v Jake Matthews Randy Costa v Trevin Jones Aalon Cruz v Uros Medic Tim Elliott v Jordan Espinosa