Report: Moraes, Yan agree to headline UFC Kazakhstan
Top-contending bantamweights Marlon Moraes and Petr Yan have verbally agreed to headline UFC Kazakhstan, sources told MMA Junkie's Farah Hannoun.
The UFC has yet to officially announce the event or fight and contracts haven't been signed. However, the event is expected to take place June 13. The winner of the bout could be next in line to fight Henry Cejudo for the title.
Yan appeared to confirm the matchup while taking a shot at Cejudo, who will battle Jose Aldo despite his opponent coming off back-to-back losses.
Loser get the title shot @HenryCejudo ? https://t.co/t5DXku6YpK
— Petr “No Mercy” Yan (@PetrYanUFC) March 4, 2020
The expected fight between Moraes and Yan is a key one at bantamweight. Moraes (23-6-1) was Cejudo's most recent title challenger. He's the UFC's No. 1-ranked fighter in the division and is coming off a split-decision win over Aldo at UFC 245 in December.
Yan (14-1) is one of the division's hottest fighters. He hasn't lost since 2016 and is 6-0 since joining the UFC. The rising star KO'd Urijah Faber at UFC 245.
The reported headliner for UFC Kazakhstan leaves Aljamain Sterling, the second-ranked bantamweight, out of a potential title eliminator. Sterling had lobbied for a title shot after stringing off four straight victories.