Aljamain Sterling is looking forward to fighting Petr Yan again. Unexpectedly, Sterling has also expressed his desire to fight former bantamweight champion, TJ Dillashaw.
Previously, Sterling had his last fight end via disqualification. His opponent Petr Yan threw an illegal knee at him whilst he was down, resulting in an automatic disqualification. A rematch of the title bout is in the works ever since.
However, ‘Funk Master’ is looking past Petr Yan and setting his sights on TJ Dillashaw. “I think TJ’s in for a rude awakening as well,” Sterling tells MiddleEasy. “Because when I get in there with him, it’s gonna be something serious.”
Dillashaw was to return against Sandhagen on May 8 in Las Vegas. However, Dillashaw recently announced that he is out of the bout after receiving a cut over one of his eyes, caused by an accidental head-butt.
With Dillashaw’s fight now delayed, Sterling or Yan could be ready for him come to the end of the year. On the other hand, Dillashaw’s call for a title shot against Yan or Sterling will only be of note if he beats Cory Sandhagen. Sandhagen is in frightening form coming off back-to-back knockouts of Marlon Moraes and Frankie Edgar.
Will Aljamain Sterling Fight TJ Dillashaw?
Aljamain Sterling is very confident of his chances against Petr Yan in the rematch. “He hasn’t said he was off or anything. So if that’s the best Petr Yan, I like my chances in the rematch. That’s all I can say”. Sterling feels that despite being depleted prior to the fight, he was able to start very brightly.
Petr Yan of Russia delivers an illegal knee against Aljamain Sterling in their UFC bantamweight championship fight during the UFC 259 event at UFC APEX on March 06, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Credits: Getty Images)
“If I’m gonna go into the fight depleted like that and still have that type of an output and that type of a performance, I think he’s in for a rude awakening.” As such, Sterling will be looking to replicate his UFC 259 form, but with more effectiveness and durability.
Following the rematch, Aljamain would like to turn his attention to TJ Dillashaw. According to Sterling, Dillashaw’s doping habits will ultimately result in his downfall. Therefore, he is confident that he can also beat the former 2X bantamweight champion if need be.
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