Two of the judges had Yan in the lead after three rounds, 29-28, while the third judge considered Sterling to lead with the same numbers.

Yan dominated in the fourth round against the challenger who looked increasingly tired and unsteady.

In the final stages of the round, Yan dealt an impermissible knee in the face of Sterling, who had one knee in the ground and was thus classified as a "lying opponent".

The match was paused, but the American was clearly shaken and could not continue the match.

- It will not be more impermissible than that, said UFC commentator Joe Rogan about the situation.

The text is updated.

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Dustin Poirier cheers after defeating superstar Conor McGregor by knockout.

Photo: Bildbyrån