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#2. UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling vs. Petr Yan 2
The conclusion of the UFC bantamweight title fight between Sterling and Yan was disappointing. It appeared as though Petr Yan was beginning to take over the fight with his forward pressure and boxing. But when challenger Aljamain Sterling was clearly grounded, the champion landed a vicious knee to his head in round four.
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The fight was subsequently stopped. After some discussion, the fight was called off. As a consequence of his illegal action, Petr Yan was disqualified from the contest against Sterling in the fourth round. Even before the first fight at UFC 259, there was obviously ill will growing between the two.
After the inconclusive result, Sterling and Yan continue to trade barbs. In fact, the former bantamweight champion made fun of Sterling in his last open workout. Prior to his interim title fight with Cory Sandhagen, Petr Yan was seen landing fake knees on his training partners as they reinacted Sterling in the grounded position.
Sterling and Yan were linked to a rematch on Oct. 30 but the fight was called off after the UFC removed Sterling from the card. The bantamweight champion is healing from a lingering neck injury. While the two have yet to agree on a date, the bantamweight unification bout will be one of the biggest UFC grudge matches to go down in 2022.
#1. UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou vs. UFC interim champion Ciryl Gane
The UFC heavyweight title unification bout between Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane is around the corner. There is extra heat behind this bout as the two combatants are former training partners. Francis Ngannou earned gold in late March against two-time heavyweight titleholder Stipe Miocic.
The heavyweight combatants once had the same coach, Fernand Lopez. While Ngannou has since changed camps, the heat continues to build before the showdown with France's Gane. Prior to Ngannou's entrance into the UFC, the Cameroonian cut his teeth training in France alongside Gane.
At the end of the UFC 268 pay-per-view, Francis Ngannou was seen in a backstage video that spread like wildfire. The heavyweight champion appeared to walk right in front of Gane and Lopez before snubbing them both on his way through the building. Immediately following Ngannou's walk-off, Ciryl Gane seemed confused about the interaction.
Since the two had the same coaches and were previously training partners, many were surprised to see growing animosity take over the potential contest. Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane are expected to meet at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA.
With Ngannou out of competition since March, the fight against Gane is one of the most anticipated UFC grudge matches slated for 2022.
