Aljamain Sterling's Featherweight Aspirations
In a surprising twist to his career trajectory, former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has announced a move to the UFC's featherweight division. This revelation came during an appearance on the Mighty Podcast, hosted by none other than mixed martial arts luminary Demetrious Johnson.
Sterling, who has been known to walk around as heavy as 180 pounds when not actively competing, currently maintains a weight of approximately 170-171 pounds. Despite being significantly above the bantamweight limit at this weight, Sterling asserts he feels healthy and fit, sporting a physique that still showcases his athletic build.
Reflections on Bantamweight Tenure
The decision to change divisions follows Sterling's loss of the bantamweight title to Sean O'Malley at UFC 292, which ended his impressive nine-fight winning streak that included three defenses of the championship belt. During his tenure in the bantamweight class, Sterling established himself as a formidable competitor, yet he now finds himself contemplating his future in a new weight class.
Despite the setback, Sterling's record speaks volumes about his capabilities. His time as a bantamweight saw him positioned 26.7 percent over the weight class limit compared to his peers—a testament to the extreme lengths he went to in order to make weight for his fights. He reflects on this process with a sense of pride, acknowledging the difficulty but emphasizing his commitment to meeting the challenge head-on.
A New Challenge Ahead
With eyes set on the featherweight division, Sterling is not just looking to participate; he aims to contend with the top fighters. A potential matchup against renowned featherweights like Alexander Volkanovski illustrates his ambition. More immediately, Sterling has expressed interest in facing Max Holloway for his debut in the 145-pound division. A victory over a competitor of Holloway's caliber could quickly propel Sterling into contention for the featherweight title.
However, not everyone is convinced that this move is in Sterling's best interest. Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier has voiced his opinion, suggesting that Sterling should remain at 135 pounds. Cormier posits that fighters often switch weight classes in search of new challenges or due to a lack of success, neither of which he believes applies to Sterling given his recent track record.
Cormier also raises concerns about Sterling's size, pointing out that at 5'7", he would be among the smaller athletes in the featherweight category. Despite this, Cormier acknowledges Sterling's proven track record of success and believes he could work his way back to a title fight at bantamweight, where he might have a more significant advantage.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
This isn't Sterling's first foray into the featherweight division; he has previously competed at this weight early in his career. At Cage Fury FC 10 in 2011, Sterling secured a win via TKO, providing a glimpse of what he could offer in this higher weight class.
As for timing, Sterling has hinted at a return to the Octagon for either UFC 300 or possibly in March, setting the stage for what could be a highly anticipated comeback. The fighter remains confident in his abilities, drawing on his extensive experience from wrestling through to MMA. "I've always done it," Sterling affirms, signaling his readiness to tackle the challenges of the featherweight division with the same tenacity that brought him success at bantamweight.
Whether this strategic shift will pay dividends remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Aljamain Sterling's pursuit of greatness in the UFC continues unabated, now with the added intrigue of a new weight class and fresh competition. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Sterling embarks on this next chapter of his career, bringing with him the same determination and skill that have become his hallmarks.