The UFC is finalizing a bout between current bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling and former title holder TJ Dillashaw for UFC 279 on September 10.
The UFC bantamweight title is expected to be on the line this September as the promotion is targeting a bout between champion Aljamain Sterling and top contender TJ Dillashaw for UFC 279 on September 10. MMA Junkie was first to report the news.
#BREAKING: Aljamain Sterling's next title defense is being finalized vs. T.J. Dillashaw at #UFC279 🏆
News via @mma_kings, @MikeBohn
Full details: https://t.co/5U6J35AIyL pic.twitter.com/fgXhjLWOM2
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) June 16, 2022
Sterling (21-3) is riding the victory over former champion Petr Yan in April in which he bested the former title holder following the controversial ending to their first bout in 2020. The “Funkmaster” recorded his first title defense with the victory and it was Sterling’s first bout of the year after spending most of the last year recovering from a neck injury and subsequent surgery to correct the issue. Besides Yan, Sterling’s resume also includes Cory Sandhagen, Pedro Munhoz, Jimmie Rivera, and Cody Stamann.
Dillashaw (17-4) is looking to reclaim UFC gold after holding the belt on two separate occasions between 2014 and 2019. A part of the UFC since 2011 after being introduced to the masses through The Ultimate Fighter, Dillashaw has recorded victories over the Renan Barao, Cody Garbrandt (twice,) Raphael Assuncao, and John Lineker throughout his time in the Octagon. In 2019, Dillashaw was stripped of the title after admitting to the use of banned substances and was suspended for two years as a result.
No location or venue has been announced at this time, though notably the fight was not reported as the headliner which has led to speculation that the UFC is looking to add another high profile bout for the top of the card.
