UFC 273: Sterling vs. Yan MMA Odds and Picks

Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan are set to face off in a highly anticipated fight at UFC 273, where one of them will be looking for closure and the title of the world’s top bantamweight. Be sure to see our predictions for the co-main event matchup between Sterling and Yan.

In their first encounter in March 2021, Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan engaged in an intense battle that unfortunately ended in controversy when an illegal knee from Yan resulted in Sterling being unable to continue in Round 4. Sterling was declared the UFC champion via disqualification, but now, 13 months later and after a lot of back-and-forth between the fighters, Sterling must prove himself once again against Yan to solidify his position as the division’s top fighter.

Despite the reigning champ dealing with neck problems, Yan secured another opportunity at the undisputed title by outstriking Cory Sandhagen in a thrilling five-round battle at UFC 267. With a unanimous decision victory and an interim title in hand, Yan is now focused on facing Sterling for a chance to claim the bantamweight supremacy with a decisive finish.

Will the “Funk Master” prove himself as champion by smashing any doubts, or will Yan bring the UFC bantamweight title back to Russia?

Below are my predictions and picks for the bantamweight title unifier on Saturday between Sterling and Yan, with odds sourced from PointsBet. Confidence in each pick is rated on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.

Sterling vs. Yan Fight Info

Saturday, April 9th at 10 p.m. Eastern Time (main card) will be the date and time of the event. The event will be broadcasted on ESPN+ and available for Pay-Per-View. It will take place at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, FL.

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Sterling vs. Yan Odds Analysis

The abrupt conclusion of the initial competition between these two fighters, followed by Yan’s impressive win over Sandhagen, has solidified the interim champ’s position as a strong favorite. Both Caesars and DraftKings have listed him at -490. While there may not be much value in betting on a Yan victory, there is potential for a knockout, with PointsBet offering a Yan KO/TKO at +170 as of Wednesday evening.

Sterling, the native of New York, is currently listed at +370 with Caesars, a line rarely seen next to the name of a defending champion. However, if Sterling is able to successfully end his rivalry with Yan, this bet could pay out nicely.

Aljamain Sterling Betting Profile

Yan’s ongoing feud and the constant criticism he faced after their initial bout have unfairly diverted attention from Sterling’s skills and recent success. The current champion has not lost a fight in over four years, and regardless of any controversy surrounding his title win, Sterling has proven himself as a top competitor in the division.

Before his first date with Yan, Sterling had won five victories over Brett Johns, Jimmie Rivera, Pedro Munhoz, Cody Stamann (via a rare Suloev-stretch tapout), and Sandhagen in under 90 seconds. In the matchup that made him king, Sterling pushed the pace and remained busy with his unique movement and kicking game before the unfortunate knee incident. Regardless of the outcome of the grudge match on Saturday, Sterling is and will continue to be a top-tier bantamweight fighter.

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Petr Yan Betting Profile

Yan’s impressive skills were evident even before his memorable battles with Magomed Magomedov in ACB. By the time he joined the UFC at the young age of 25 in 2018, Yan was already a seasoned and talented fighter. With precise boxing, strong defensive grappling, and clever clinch work, Yan has consistently outperformed his opponents in the Octagon. His victory over Jose Aldo at UFC 251 earned him the bantamweight title, although it was later claimed by Sterling.

Before entering the UFC, Yan was known as a deadly finisher, but his greatest strength is actually his patience. He has shown the ability to read his opponents and adjust during his victories over Aldo and Sandhagen. In his first fight against Sterling, he demonstrated this same skill, although he ultimately suffered his first loss in the organization due to his attempt to secure a late finish. Despite this setback, Yan bounced back from a previous defeat in 2016 with a vengeance, and many experts are predicting that he will do the same on Saturday night.

Sterling vs. Yan Picks

Yan is the favorite to win at -475 odds, while Yan winning by KO/TKO has odds of +170.

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Sterling vs. Yan Predictions

Yan to win (-475)

Despite the dangers he poses, Yan excels at gathering information and making necessary adjustments. After spending nearly 20 minutes in the Octagon with Sterling, it wouldn’t be surprising if he enters the cage with a revised game plan. Since facing Magomedov, Yan has become difficult to take down and control, so if Sterling relies on his unconventional striking over his wrestling, the Russian interim champion should have an easier time finding his range and breaking down Sterling to unify their bantamweight titles.

Yan by KO/TKO (+170)

Despite Sterling’s skills in both striking and grappling, I believe his rematch with Yan will have a similar outcome to their first fight. If the current champion relies on his wrestling like he did against Sandhagen, Yan’s defense will quickly shut him down. Yan will then likely put pressure on Sterling, capitalize on his opportunities, and finish the fight with a powerful combination before it goes the distance.

Where to Bet on UFC 273

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Picks by Sterling-Yan were made on April 6, 2026 at 9:48 p.m. Eastern Time.