Huge bantamweight fights have been added to UFC 238 (already headlined by the division’s title fight), with Aljamain Sterling vs. Pedro Munhoz and Petr Yan vs. Jimmie Rivera verbally agreed to for Chicago’s pay-per-view.
ESPN’s Ariel Helwani reported both additions to UFC 238.
UFC 238 will be all about the bantamweights. The vacant bantamweight title will be contested for in the main event between flyweight champion Henry Cejudo and top 135er Marlon Moraes. Their potential first title challenger will be determined when Aljamain Sterling faces Pedro Munhoz. Petr Yan will look to propel himself into the title picture with a win over Jimmie Rivera.
Both bouts have been verbally agreed upon, but have not been officially signed yet according to Helwani.
Aljamain Sterling appears to be reaching his potential, winning five of his last six. “Aljo” is on a three-fight win streak and has defeated Jimmie Rivera and rising prospect Cody Stammann on that run. Pedro Munhoz has won seven of his last eight, knocking out former champion Cody Garbrandt in his most recent fight.
Petr Yan is a Russian contender who has made a name for himself quickly in the Octagon. Yan, a former ACB champion, is 4-0 in the UFC with a pair of knockouts and a recent victory over John Dodson. Jimmie Rivera started his career incredibly, going 21-1, but has one win in his last three fights, falling to Sterling and Moraes.
UFC 238 will go down in the United Center of Chicago, Illinois, on June 8. Along with the bantamweight title fight, Valentina Shevchenko will defend her belt against Jessica Eye in the co-main event. Top contenders in the strawweight and flyweight divisions will be determined when Nina Ansaroff fights Tatiana Suarez, and Katlyn Chookagian battles Joanne Calderwood.
