Farah Hannoun: Jose Aldo vs. Petr Yan
The bantamweight title has changed hands a few times over the past couple of years, and the UFC is about to crown another new one.
After Henry Cejudo relinquished the title, former UFC featherweight king [autotag]Jose Aldo[/autotag] and [autotag]Petr Yan[/autotag] will battle for the vacant title.
While it’s probably not the expected matchup, it’s stylistically a fantastic one. Aldo may have fallen short in his bantamweight debut, but he showed that he still has what it takes to compete with the best. His body of work at 145 pounds is unmatched, and what he also brings to the table is his name value that will help bring eyes to the new crop of rising stars in the division.
It’s a big fight for Aldo, though, and could determine what his future will look like in the sport. He’s only 33, but Aldo has been in the game for a very long time and is coming off two straight losses. He’s never lost three in a row, and he’ll be taking on a dangerous Yan that has serious knockout power. His move down to 135 pounds surprised many, and despite looking good against Moraes, his back is against the wall going into this one.
[lawrence-related id=525740]
For someone who doesn’t even speak English, Yan has done a phenomenal job of promoting himself. He is unbeaten since joining the UFC roster, and his incredible knockout over a guy that’s difficult to put away in Urijah Faber is likely what made him an obvious choice to fight for the title.
Fighting another legend in Aldo is a big opportunity for Yan, who could emerge as one of the sport’s prominent stars on July 11. Representing Siberia and Russia, Yan already has a solid backing and continues to garner a following with his exciting style and activity in the octagon, having competed three times in both 2018 and 2019.
Bantamweight is stacked, and with Aljamain Sterling already waiting in the wings as the No. 1 contender, the division is finally starting to move on. Cody Garbrandt bounced back emphatically, and Sean O’Malley continues to wow as few can disagree that 135 pounds is one of the most exciting divisions in the sport.
Cejudo entertained us and accomplished remarkable things, but his recent choice of opponents has caused a big cluster at the top of the division. That will no longer be the case when Yan and Aldo enter the octagon next week.
Next page – Simon Samano: Joseph Benavidez vs. Deiveson Figueiredo 2