VIDEO: Images show the moment when coach instructs Petr Yan to knee Sterling

A. Sterling (left) is announced the winner after the disqualification of P Yan (right). Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

The controversy surrounding the bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg) belt dispute in UFC 259 added another chapter. Seeking to clarify the disqualification of Petr yan in the confrontation against aljamain sterling, to 'ESPN' released images showing one of the then champion's coaches instructing the Russian to deliver the illegal knee that cost the athlete his title. On that occasion, the coach suggests the blow and the pupil executes it, when the rival is in a vulnerable position.

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VIDEO: Watch the illegal blow that took away Petr Yan's belt and crowned Aljamain Sterling at UFC 259

Petr Yan throws illegal knee, is disqualified and loses belt to Aljamain Sterling at UFC 259

Frustrated with the unexpected result of 'Yan x Sterling', Dana confirms immediate rematch

On video (see below), Daniel Cormier, who comments on Ultimate fights on the broadcaster, confirms that Yan received clear instructions, in Russian, for the attack to be carried out. According to the former athlete, the translation was done by Khabib Nurmagomedov.

“Someone in the corner shouts: 'yes, kick'. After, Petr yan delivers the illegal knee, which cost him the UFC belt,” said DC.

Although it was confirmed by Khabib that one of the coaches asked for the action in Russian, another coach, in English, asked the champion to just punch his opponent. The incident happened in the fourth round of the match, when Aljamain was in the three-support position.

When the episode happened, many doubts took over the octagon at UFC Apex. While the Russian tried to understand what would happen, Sterling remained slumped on the stage and appeared to be confused, visibly unable to continue the fight.

Upon realizing that the challenger could not return, the match referee, Mark Smith, chose to end the dispute. In the official announcement, Bruce Buffer confirmed Petr's disqualification and thus crowned Aljamain as the new champion of the category.

When the winner was announced, Sterling couldn't hide his shock. Dissatisfied with the situation, the fighter threw the belt on the octagon floor.

Never in the history of Ultimate had a champion lost his position for throwing an illegal blow. After last weekend's spectacle, company president Dana White confirmed that there will be an immediate rematch.

Video of Petr yan's corner during the sequence that resulted in his disqualification at #UFC259 pic.twitter.com/2BtRqtGmBP

- ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 7, 2021