(Video) UFC star Aljamain Sterling gets Oscar award from rival Petr Yan reminding controversial title win
Aljamain Sterling has replaced Merab Dvalishvili as the coach against Petr Yan for a Russian reality TV series called ALF Global Reality.
Follow Us
Petr Yan gives an Oscar Award to Aljamain Sterling (Image via Imago/X)
Over the years, there have been several controversial moments that have stirred the UFC community, often leaving a significant impact on the fighters involved. One notable incident occurred during the bantamweight championship fight between Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan. This incident still weighs heavily on both fighters, and they have not forgotten about it.
In their first fight at UFC 259, Petr Yan landed an illegal knee on Aljamain Sterling. This action led to the referee disqualifying Yan, resulting in the Russian fighter losing his bantamweight title to Sterling. Yan appeared to be disappointed, fans claimed Aljo took the easy way out. Years later, the two recently met outside of the UFC circuit. Interestingly, during their meeting, Yan had a hilarious gift for Sterling.
The Oscar Award is presented to individuals who demonstrate exceptional prominence in the field of film and acting. Recently, Yan brought a replica Oscar Award and presented it to his former rival, Sterling. In the clip, the Russian fighter also humorously reminded the New Yorker about the disqualification he had faced in their match. This led to laughter from everyone present, including Sterling, who enjoyed the lighthearted exchange.
Petr Yan handed Aljamain Sterling an Oscar Award in their first face off for their new Russian TUF reality show 🏆😭 pic.twitter.com/O8cY9wqhCT
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) February 2, 2025
Interestingly, the two met in an MMA setting, as both Yan and Sterling were preparing to face off for the third time. However, this time they will be competing as coaches on a Russian reality TV show similar to UFC’s The Ultimate Fighter. In terms of their recent fighting careers, Yan won his last fight against Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Macau in November 2024. Meanwhile, Sterling lost to Movsar Evloev at UFC 310 in December 2024.
When and whom is Aljamain Sterling fighting next?
Aljamain Sterling had an impressive championship run until he faced Sean O’Malley at UFC 292. Following that fight, Sterling moved up to the featherweight division. He made his debut at 145 pounds at UFC 300 against veteran Calvin Kattar. His most recent matchup was against the undefeated prospect Movsar Evloev.
Sterling appeared to be unhappy with the decision that went against him at UFC 310. Consequently, in an exclusive interview with MMA Junkie, the American fighter expressed his thoughts on his next steps in the promotion. Notably, Sterling mentioned several potential opponents for his comeback fight in the UFC.
A lot of fans don’t think I lost that fight. I watched it back a couple times now, and I still don’t think I lost the fight. Obviously, the judges are the judge, so whatever they say is going to stay in the history books. I would love to run it back with him, if not, maybe fight Arnold Allen, Brian Ortega.
Aljamain Sterling via MMA Junkie
In April, I will be ready to go again! pic.twitter.com/NpDdWkqw3h
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) January 29, 2025
Sterling considers Arnold Allen and Brian Ortega as notable opponents. Interestingly, while Allen recently won his last fight against Giga Chikadze, Ortega is currently struggling with a poor performance record in the promotion. It remains to be seen which fighter the UFC executives will choose to match up against Sterling. However, Aljo has indicated that he is ready to fight in April.
Related: Aljamain Sterling wife: Who is the UFC star’s partner?
Stay Updated!
Nilaav Gogoi
(590 Articles Published)