Russian bantamweight champ Yan reveals reasons for scrapped UFC 256 title fight with Sterling

Russian UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan has revealed the issues behind the removal of his maiden title defense against Aljamain Sterling from the UFC 256 card on December 12.
Yan was due to make his first defense of the 135lbs title against Sterling at the UFC’s Apex facility in Las Vegas, but three weeks out it was reported that the fight won’t be happening on that date.

Speaking to fans via Instagram Live on Monday, Yan said various factors had been at play during his preparations to face American-Jamaican challenger Sterling.

“Everything’s in force for the fight. It’s going to be postponed for about a month and a half, but everything’s in order,” Yan said.

“There were different problems, with the flight, with the visa, during training I flew away for a visa deadline, lots of factors.

“We decided with the team to move everything to next year, perhaps the card will be more suitable…

“Everything is good, training continues.”