An official pre-fight moment unfolded ahead of UFC 273 as American contender Aljamain Sterling and Russian challenger Petr Yan clashed publicly in the arena foyer. Sterling shouted insults at Yan, loudly calling out, “Woman, woman! See you tomorrow.” Yan responded with a quick, defiant exchange of ready-to-fight rhetoric: “Come on, come on.”
The event is scheduled for the night of April 10 in Jacksonville, Florida, drawing fans from the United States and Canada to witness a highly anticipated matchup. This marks another chapter in a storied rivalry between two top lightweights who have repeatedly tested each other’s resolve inside the octagon.
Yan and Sterling previously crossed paths in March 2021, a fight that concluded with Sterling winning the title by disqualification after an illegal blow from Yan. The controversial finish led to Sterling retaining the belt amid debates about the ruling and the actions that led up to it. Since that moment, both fighters have continued to compete at a high level, with Yan later securing a decisive victory in another high-profile bout and climbing the UFC rankings by showcasing his striking and grappling skills against elite competitors.
In October, Yan earned a unanimous-decision win over American Corey Sandhagen, a performance that solidified his standing as one of the sport’s top athletes. This victory helped him secure a notable position within the UFC’s official rankings, demonstrating continued relevance across weight classes and divisions. The narrative surrounding Sterling and Yan has also included discussions about past concerns raised by observers regarding substances and performance-enhancing issues, which have been part of broader industry conversations and headlines in the lead-up to their matchup.
As the fight night approaches, both athletes are focused on delivering a compelling performance that could influence the trajectory of the lightweight division. Fans in North America are preparing for a night of high-intensity competition and strategic matchups, with analysts weighing tactical approaches, potential game plans, and the implications for future title considerations. The bout promises to be a defining moment in the careers of Sterling and Yan, as they push to solidify their legacies on the sport’s grandest stage.