[ad_1]
ABU DHABI – The UFC announced today that champion Ajaman Sterling will defend his bantamweight title. TJ Dillashaw finished second in the co-main event at UFC 280: OLIVEIRA vs. MAKHACHEV – Abu Dhabi’s latest UFC event in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – DCT Abu Dhabi.
It will be held at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi and will be the second defending title that Sterling won last March.
Aljamain “The Funk Master” Sterling (21-3) has been with the UFC for eight years, patiently working his way to the top of the division. He will be on a seven-game winning streak when he arrives in Abu Dhabi, including back-to-back victories over former champion Yan in the last two matches. Sterling, 33, will play outside the U.S. for the first time in his 24-game career as he looks to cement his top spot in the 135-pound class.
His opponent Dilla Shaw has been the bantamweight leader for more than a decade. A two-time champion, he got his first taste of championship glory in 2014 before repeating the feat in 2017. The 36-year-old holds multiple UFC bantamweight records, including most victories (13), most victories by KO/TKO (7), most title fight victories (5), and an impressive Eight fight night bonuses.
This is the latest blockbuster fight to be added to the October 22 card and will see Charles Oliveira take on Islam Makhachev for the vacant lightweight title. Another crucial bantamweight bout is also between former champion Peter Yan and talented rookie Sean O’Malley.
UFC 280: OLIVEIRA vs MAKHACHEV will be the latest event in the UAE capital as part of a landmark partnership between the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization and the Department of Culture and Tourism – DCT Abu Dhabi – Abu DCT Abu Dhabi started in 2019.
In October, Abu Dhabi Showdown Week will return from October 17-23, hosted by UFC 280 and featuring additional sports and entertainment ancillary events powered by Flash Entertainment.
[ad_2]
Source link