It now appears Dana White had good reason to book Deiveson Figueiredo in a quick turnaround fight at UFC 256. Because the UFC’s final PPV event of 2020 is down yet another title fight.
On Sunday, MMA Island was first to report that Petr Yan had withdrawn from his headlining bout with Aljamain Sterling. The fight is expected to be rebooked at a later date.
Sterling later confirmed the news on social media. The bantamweight title challenger wrote “Everything happens for a reason. I hope everything is good with you and your family [Petr Yan]. 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.”
No official reason has been revealed for Yan’s withdrawal from what was to be his first bantamweight title defense., although based on Sterling’s statement, it appears to be a family matter. However, it’s the second title fight that UFC 256 has lost. Originally, Amanda Nunes vs. Megan Anderson was expected to headline the card, in addition to Yan vs. Sterling. Nunes, who recently became a mother alongside wife and fellow UFC fighter Nina Ansaroff, withdrew from the fight.
Yan (15-1) captured the UFC’s 135lb championship by defeating Jose Aldo for the vacant title back in July. Sterling (19-3) has won five straight against top-tier competition to put himself in place as the first challenger for Yan’s belt.
With Yan vs. Sterling off the card, it appears Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Brandon Moreno will now serve as the UFC 256 main event.
