Aljamain Sterling Announces Move to Featherweight Division
In a surprising turn of events, former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has declared his intention to compete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship's (UFC) featherweight division. The announcement came during his appearance on the Mighty Podcast, hosted by MMA legend Demetrious Johnson.
Sterling, known for his agility and grappling prowess, has previously competed at a walking weight significantly heavier than his competition class, reaching as much as 180 pounds outside of his fighting commitments. Currently maintaining a healthier weight around 170-171 pounds, Sterling feels confident in his physical form. "I'm not fat. I've got some abs going," he quipped on the podcast, reflecting on his current condition and past struggles with making the bantamweight limit.
The decision to move up a weight class follows a notable defeat where Sterling lost his bantamweight title to Sean O'Malley at UFC 292. This loss snapped a nine-fight winning streak that included three defenses of his championship belt. Despite this setback, Sterling is looking ahead, setting his sights on top contenders in the featherweight category, including the likes of Alexander Volkanovski.
For his debut in the new division, Sterling has expressed interest in squaring off against former featherweight kingpin Max Holloway. A victory over Holloway would undoubtedly establish Sterling as a significant player in the featherweight ranks.
However, not everyone agrees with Sterling's decision to change divisions. Daniel Cormier, former two-division UFC champion and current commentator, has voiced his opinion that Sterling should remain at 135 pounds. Cormier suggests that fighters often switch weight classes when they encounter challenges or fail to find success, but he believes Sterling still has the potential to dominate at bantamweight, given his track record and physical attributes.
"He doesn't have anything to do right now. I don't have anything to do right now. I think UFC 300 could be a fire card, comeback for that, or maybe March," Sterling speculated about the timing of his featherweight debut, hinting at a major event or an early spring return.
A Look Back at Sterling's Featherweight History
This is not Sterling's first foray into the featherweight division. Early in his career, at Cage Fury FC 10 in 2011, he secured a TKO victory in his sole featherweight bout. Standing at 5'7", he will be among the smaller competitors in the UFC featherweight division, yet his previous success at this weight suggests potential for impactful performances.
Sterling's analytical approach to his career is evident in his acknowledgment of the weight disparity between himself and other bantamweights. He cited testing that revealed he is 26.7 percent over the weight class limit compared to his peers, a statistic that underscores the extreme weight cutting required for him to make the bantamweight limit. Despite the challenges, Sterling has consistently made weight, demonstrating a commitment to competing at the highest level regardless of the division.
"People can say whatever they want. This is the only way I know how to compete from wrestling, to college wrestling, to now MMA. It's not easy, but I always get it done," Sterling stated, reflecting on his career-long practice of cutting significant weight to compete.
Sterling's Resolve and Future Prospects
Throughout his career, Sterling has been characterized by his resolve and adaptability. His willingness to take risks and make substantial changes in pursuit of excellence has been a hallmark of his time in the sport. "I've always done it. It's the only thing I've ever known and I've always competed at a high level and I won. I was like, if it ain't broke don't fix it," said Sterling, reaffirming his dedication to his craft and his readiness to face new challenges head-on.
As Sterling prepares for this next chapter, the MMA community watches with anticipation. Whether he will replicate his bantamweight success at featherweight remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Aljamain Sterling's journey continues to captivate fans and analysts alike, adding another layer of intrigue to the ever-evolving landscape of mixed martial arts.