4. Petr Yan vs TJ Dillashaw
Truth be told, there is a possibility that we will see this fight next.
While Aljamain Sterling is owed a chance to definitively end the controversy of his March 2021 victory over interim champion Petr Yan, his neck injury has most of the MMA world observing with caution. While the champion has expressed that he is on track with his recovery, the simple nature of the injury could provide plenty of potential setbacks that would delay his return. A spring match-up with Yan is the targeted time frame. But should his injury require more time to rehabilitate, then it could see the UFC elect to move the title along with Yan taking on top contender TJ Dillashaw. That bout could also take place in late 2022 with a Yan victory over Sterling should they collide this spring.
Former champion Dillashaw returned to the win column with a razor close decision victory over Cory Sandhagen in July. Considering the level of infamy he now carries following his two year suspension, a return to a title bout would carry plenty of attention. With Yan already notching wins over contenders like Sandhagen and Jose Aldo, a fight with Dillashaw with the chance to virtually sweep the board of the top five would make for an exciting match-up.
