Aljamain Sterling Announces Featherweight Move
In a surprising turn of events, former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has announced his intention to move up to the featherweight division. This significant career shift was revealed on the Mighty Podcast hosted by none other than MMA luminary Demetrious Johnson.
Sterling, known for his dynamic fighting style and impressive grappling skills, has previously fought as heavy as 180 pounds outside of his professional competitions. Despite this, he maintains a healthy weight around 170-171 pounds in his off-season, which he asserts is a comfortable weight that still allows him to stay in shape—complete with a set of abs to prove it.
The decision comes after a setback at UFC 292, where Sterling lost his bantamweight title to the rising star Sean O'Malley. Prior to this loss, Sterling had been on an impressive nine-fight winning streak, successfully defending his title three times. However, despite his dominance in the division, Sterling believes it is time for a new challenge.
One notable aspect of Sterling's decision is the weight disparity. He mentioned undergoing testing which indicated that he is 26.7 percent over the weight class limit when compared to other bantamweights—a statistic that underscores the grueling nature of his weight cuts. Yet, Sterling has always prided himself on making weight, no matter the personal cost, a testament to his dedication and professionalism in the sport.
Aiming for Featherweight Gold
Not one to shy away from tough competition, Sterling has already set his sights on top featherweight contenders like the formidable Alexander Volkanovski. But first, he plans to make his mark against Max Holloway in what promises to be a highly anticipated featherweight debut. A victory over Holloway could catapult Sterling into immediate title contention within the featherweight ranks.
However, not everyone agrees with Sterling’s strategic move. Daniel Cormier, former two-division UFC champion and respected commentator, has voiced his opinion that Sterling should remain at 135 pounds. Cormier suggests that fighters often switch weight classes in search of easier paths to success or when they encounter insurmountable challenges. He believes Sterling still has the potential to regain his bantamweight title and advises against moving up to a division where the competition is larger and potentially more challenging.
Despite Cormier’s reservations, Sterling remains undeterred. He recalls his previous experience at featherweight, where he secured a TKO victory at Cage Fury FC 10 back in 2011. Standing at 5'7", Sterling would indeed be among the smaller fighters in the UFC featherweight division, yet he carries with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record of overcoming size discrepancies through skill and strategy.
Sterling's Perspective on the Weight Class Change
Sterling himself has acknowledged the concerns about his size relative to the featherweight class but remains confident in his abilities. "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," he stated, reflecting on his career thus far and his approach to competition.
He also hinted at a possible return date for his featherweight debut, suggesting that UFC 300 could be an ideal event for such a milestone in his career. Alternatively, a March comeback was mentioned, though no specific dates have been confirmed.
As the MMA community buzzes with anticipation over Sterling's next steps, his determination and confidence serve as a reminder of his commitment to excellence, regardless of the division. With his eyes firmly set on featherweight glory, Sterling's journey will undoubtedly be one to watch closely as he attempts to etch his name into the annals of MMA history across multiple weight classes.