What happened: Sterling used the line “December, run that” to push for a meeting framed as deciding the clear-cut No. 1 contender. The same Jean Silva who stopped Jose Miguel Delgado at 2:57 of R3 enters off the Noche UFC main event at Desert Diamond Arena.

Why it matters: Settling it in the cage would end the current split over who deserves the next title shot. It puts that clarity on the year-end schedule.

What to watch: Watch for the promotion to confirm a date and official stakes.