Petr Yan & Aljamain Sterling’s Heated Backstage Confrontation Caught On Video

Petr Yan and Aljamain Sterling started the UFC 273 fireworks early. The two nearly going at it in the backstage prior to their fight. They are scheduled to face each other on Saturday night.

Yan has previously said it was “on sight” with Sterling and he wasn’t joking. The two had to be held back by security and their fight teams, in an incident caught on video. “Hey, tomorrow. My friend, tomorrow,” Sterling could be heard yelling at Yan as he’s led away.

Yan and Sterling have some obvious history, facing off for the title in March of 2021. In the match Yan hit an illegal knee to a downed Sterling, who could not continue the fight. Due to that Yan was disqualified, leading Sterling to win.

However, the way Sterling won was not how he wanted it to go down. Yan went on to defeat Cory Sandhagen at UFC 267 via unanimous decision to capture the interim belt in October. That set up the rematch and Yan has been eager to get revenge.

“If we see his team, we kill all his team,” Yan told reporters at the UFC 273 media day. “Right now, not Saturday.” On the other hand Sterling responded to Yan, letting the Russian fighter know they were staying in the same hotel and willing to give room number.

“I have not seen him, I honestly kinda want to see him just to see what would happen. I’m calm, cool, collected, so I go off the energy he’s gonna bring. If he thinks it’s gonna be on, I’m ready. I’m more than ready. I’m ready now and I’m ready Saturday. If you really wanna do something, I’m right here. I’m in the same hotel as you. You can find me. If you want, I can give you my room number.”

Yan later realized that a pre fight skirmish could put their bout in jeopardy. This could be why he is holding back for now and eagerly waiting for Saturday’s face off. Keep following Thirsty for more update.

What’s your take on this story? Sound off in the comments!