The UFC is targeting two important bantamweight fights for their upcoming return to Chicago.
Aljamain Sterling vs. Pedro Munhoz and Jimmie Rivera vs. Petr Yan are scheduled for UFC 238 on June 8, according to sources. The fights haven’t been signed just yet but have been verbally agreed.
Both Sterling (16-3) and Munhoz (17-3) will enter the fight on three-fight winning streaks. Sterling recently defeated Rivera in February, while Munhoz knocked out former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt last month.
Yan (12-1) has won seven in a row overall and is a perfect 4-0 since joining the UFC last year. The Russian-born fighter is considered one of the top prospects at 135 pounds. Rivera (22-3) will look to get back on track after losing two if his last three fights.
The event will take place at the United Center in Chicago. The UFC is hoping to book Henry Cejudo vs. Marlon Moraes for the bantamweight title in the main event, however, the fight hasn’t been officially signed yet, despite UFC already announcing it. The expectation is that it will eventually get finalized. Valentina Shevchenko vs. Jessica Eye for the UFC women’s flyweight title is set for the co-main event.