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

P. Yan dominated the fight, but was disqualified after an illegal knee. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

The fight for the UFC bantamweight belt (up to 61,2kg) ended unexpectedly. After delivering an illegal knee, Petr yan was disqualified from the fight in the fourth round and lost the title to aljamain sterling. Despite the result, the American was frustrated and even cried in the Octagon. The fight marked, for the first time, a change of champion due to disqualification in the organization's history.

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With the triumph in disqualification, aljamain sterling wears, for the first time, the Ultimate bantamweight belt (up to 61,2kg). The new champion debuted in the organization in 2014 and is on a streak of six wins in the division. Now, he expands the history to 20 positive results and three negative results.

Yes, Petr yan he was undefeated in seven fights in the UFC. The Russian, who debuted in the franchise in 2018, had won the category title by defeating José Aldo, UFC 251. Now, he has a record of 15 triumphs and two setbacks.

THE FIGHT

aljamain sterling He started the fight with a strong rhythm. With a greater wingspan – 10cm difference –, the North American took advantage of the opportunity to maintain Petr yan distant and worked on long distance kicks. In one of the attempts, the Russian raised his opponent's leg and managed to take him down. With the fight standing, Sterling continued working his strikes and took down Yan, who managed to get out of the tight spot. However, in boxing, the Russian landed a right 'bomb' that knocked his opponent down. In the final 30 seconds, Petr still had time to take Aljamain.

In the second round, the competitors continued with high intensity. With one of the low kicks, Sterling lost his balance and Yan took the opportunity to apply 'bombs' to his rival's leg. Halfway through the round, the North American attempted two more takedowns, but was unsuccessful. At the end of the second round, both started to fight openly, but exhaustion was already beginning to appear.

The third round began with the same frank exchange. In short distance, Petr yan seemed to have the advantage, while aljamain sterling he was better at kicks and jabs. In the second half of the assault, a right-wing 'bomb' from the Russian entered, unfortunately for the North American. Despite this, Sterling put pressure on him again, but his game did not improve. In the final stretch, Sterling already seemed to slow down and saw Yan 'belt' and take down once again.

Petr yan, now more fully involved in the fight, tripped aljamain sterling. The fight was resumed on the feet, with the Russian in total boxing dominance. At one point it seemed like a matter of time before Sterling succumbed to Yan's arsenal of blows. At a disadvantage, the North American was already investing in takedown attempts and didn't even manage to get himself into danger.

The show seemed like a perfect ending for the Russian. However, in a three-point position, aljamain sterling could not be struck. Although, Petr yan He ended up throwing an illegal knee and was disqualified from the fight.

UFC 259 RESULTS

MAIN CARD

Light Heavyweight: Jan Blachowicz derrotou Israel adesanya in the unanimous decision of the judges (49-45, 49-46, 49-45) – Title fight

Feather weight: Amanda nunes finished Megan anderson with an armbar at 2m03s of R1 – Title fight

Bantamweight: aljamain sterling derrotou Petr yan by disqualification (illegal knee) at 4m29s of R4 – Title fight

Lightweight: Islam makhachev finished Drew dober with a choke at 1m37s of R3

Light Heavyweight: Aleksandar rakic derrotou Thiago Marreta in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28,30-27, 29-28)

PRELIMINARY CARD

Bantamweight: Dominick Cruz derrotou Casey kenney in the judges' split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

Bantamweight: Kyler Phillips derrotou song yadong in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Fly weight: Askar askarov derrotou Joseph Benavidez in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-26, 30-27)

Fly weight: Kai Kara France derrotou Rogerio Bontorin by technical knockout at 4m55s of R1

Fly weight: Tim Elliott derrotou Jordan Espinosa in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-25, 30-27)

Light Heavyweight: Kennedy Nzechukwu derrotou Carlos Ulberg by technical knockout 3m19s of R2

Welterweight Weight: Sean brady finished Jake matthews with a katagatame 3m28s from R3

Straw weight: Amanda lemos derrotou Livinha Souza by technical knockout at 3m39s of R1

Lightweight: Uros Medic derrotou Aalon Cruz by technical knockout at 1m40s of R1

Bantamweight: Trevin Jones derrotou mario bautista by technical knockout at 47s of R2