While I think Cory needs a win, Sean is coming off two losses against Merab. His recent fight with Yadong shouldnt earn him a fight with Yan even though he might get it. A lot of people thought he lost.
Cory also lost to Merab, but who else has he not fought yet? Zahabi is the only other one remotely close in ranking that Cory hasn't fought already. He has already fought Merab, Umar, Yadong, Figgy, Bautista and the division really drops off after that.
This is the kind of fight that would have already happened in the Joe Silva days, but the current matchmakers are avoiding the fight for whatever reason. My assumption is they are trying to preserve Seans star power because they know Cory is more towards the end of his career and if Sean gets the title again its good for business.
I think Cory beats his ass and is better everywhere apart from 1 punch KO power.