The 5 biggest UFC fights that were canceled in 2021

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#2. Aljamain Sterling vs. Petr Yan II - UFC 267

Sterling withdrew from the bout with a neck injury

The rematch for the UFC bantamweight championship between Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan was scheduled for October 30th. The first bout between the pair ended in controversial fashion when 'No Mercy' lost his title to 'Funk Master' after being disqualified for landing an illegal knee at UFC 269.

Missing out on a title fight is always a big loss. However, it was made worse here, as fans wanted a more satisfying resolution to their rivalry than what the first fight delivered. Sadly, the bout was canceled after Sterling withdrew from the rematch due to lingering neck issues.

Fans are hoping that we'll eventually receive a conclusion to this rivalry in 2022, as the bout is being targeted for next March. The fight will be a unification bout this time as Petr Yan won the UFC interim bantamweight title after defeating Sterling's replacement Cory Sandhagen at UFC 267.

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#1. Jorge Masvidal vs. Leon Edwards - UFC 269

Masvidal withdrew from the bout due to injury

The "three-piece and a soda" rivalry between Jorge Masvidal and Leon Edwards that started in March 2019 was to be settled this year on December 11th. The matchup between these two elite welterweights with legitimate dislike for each other had MMA fans everywhere excited. Sadly it never came to fruition.

Masvidal withdrew from the bout in November. Instead of pursuing a replacement bout, Leon Edwards understandably chose not to fight as he may very well be next in line to challenge Kamaru Usman for the UFC welterweight championship.

It is a little less clear what is next for Jorge Masvidal, although a grudge match with former team and roommate Colby Covington may be next up.

In any case, hopefully at some point down the line fans will get to see Masvidal and Edwards finally settle their differences inside the octagon.