Setting things straight following his controversial title ascension back in March of last year, bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling successfully unified the promotion’s crowns with a close, split decision win over Petr Yan at UFC 273 over the course of last weekend, and now welcomes a title trilogy against the Dudinka native next year.

Uniondale native, Aljamain Sterling, who became the first champion in promotional history to win a title off the back of a disqualification victory back in March of last year – seized the crown after Yan landed an illegal knee to a downed Sterling in the fourth round.

Aljamain Sterling managed to score consecutive win number seven at UFC 273

Putting right first fight wrongs back on Saturday night in Jacksonville, Florida – Aljamain Sterling managed to land a close, split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47) win over the Russian interim champion – with many already debating and arguing the swing of the decision triumph. 

Immediately calling out former two-weight champion, T.J. Dillashaw for a title defense next, Sterling, a staple of Serra-Longo MMA – is planning a return before the culmination of this year, however, 

Addressing his loss to the Uniondale grappler, Yan, posted on his official Twitter, and maintains the goal of clinching the undisputed UFC bantamweight championship still remains at the forefront of his mind.

“Life goes on,” Petr Yan tweeted. “Goal remains the same! Thanks for the support. (Smiling face emoji) (Raised fist emoji).”

In a reply to Yan’s tweet, Aljamain Sterling welcomed the idea of a third fight with the Dudinka striker in the future – as early as next year, in fact, tweeting, “Trilogy 2023.”

Narrowly edging out Yan over the course of five rounds on Saturday, Sterling took a very close first round on two of three judges scorecards – with over three minutes of control time on Yan’s back in both the second and third rounds enough to see the defending champion unify the titles come the bout’s conclusion, despite a fourth and fifth round rally from the opposition. 

Following the event, UFC president, Dana White spoke with assembled media, claiming that the judges at Octagon-side had “blew” the decision, explaining how he had scored the fight in favor of Yan – three rounds to two.

“I thought the judges blew that one,” Dana White said. “I had it 3-2 the other way (to Yan). I don’t know how you guys scored it. I guess it’s all how you scored that first round.”