Aljamain Sterling Announces Division Change
In a surprising turn of events, former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has announced his decision to move up to the featherweight division. The announcement came during an appearance on the Mighty Podcast, hosted by mixed martial arts legend Demetrious Johnson.
Sterling, who has been known to walk around as heavy as 180 pounds outside of competition, currently maintains a healthy weight of approximately 170-171 pounds. Despite this, he has successfully made the bantamweight limit in the past, attributing his ability to do so to discipline and a rigorous process.
Losing the Bantamweight Title
The decision follows a recent loss where Sterling was dethroned by Sean O'Malley at UFC 292. Prior to this defeat, Sterling had amassed a nine-fight winning streak, including three defenses of the bantamweight title. However, it's his physicality that has become a talking point; Sterling is reportedly 26.7 percent over the weight class limit when compared to other fighters in the bantamweight division, a statistic that underscores the difficulty of his weight cut.
New Challenges at Featherweight
Looking ahead, Sterling has expressed his desire to take on top contenders in the featherweight category, specifically mentioning current standout Alexander Volkanovski. Moreover, he has plans to face another fan favorite, Max Holloway, in what would be his debut match in the new division. A victory over Holloway could catapult Sterling into immediate title contention, making him a significant player in the featherweight landscape.
However, not everyone agrees with Sterling's decision to change divisions. Daniel Cormier, a former two-division UFC champion, has publicly stated his belief that Sterling should remain at 135 pounds. Cormier argues that fighters often switch weight classes due to challenges or a lack of success, which he doesn't see as the case for Sterling. He contends that Sterling's size gives him an advantage at bantamweight and suggests that a return to form could lead him back to title contention in that division.
Sterling's History at Featherweight
It's worth noting that this isn't Sterling's first foray into the featherweight division. He competed once before at this weight class, securing a TKO victory at Cage Fury FC 10 back in 2011. Standing at 5'7", Sterling will be one of the smaller competitors in the UFC's featherweight ranks, but he remains undeterred, relying on his experience and proven track record to guide him through this transition.
Aljamain Sterling's Perspective
Sterling himself seems unfazed by the skepticism, emphasizing his history of overcoming obstacles throughout his wrestling and MMA career. "I've been 180, a little heavier than 180. It's not a good, healthy 180, but I could get up there," Sterling said, acknowledging the toll that maintaining such a high weight can take on his body. Yet, his current state reflects a more sustainable approach: "I feel good fight where I'm at right now, I'm about 170, 171, and that's a good, healthy weight for me. I'm not fat. I've got some abs going. I don't know how I've ever made it [to 135], and I don't know how I've made it for so long."
His commitment to competing at the highest level remains steadfast. "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 confidently added.
As for his future plans, Sterling hinted at a potential timeline for his featherweight debut. "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," he speculated, setting the stage for what could be a highly anticipated return to action.
With a mix of determination and a proven track record, Aljamain Sterling's venture into the featherweight division will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Whether this move will prove to be a masterstroke or a misstep remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Sterling is committed to making his mark in the UFC, regardless of the weight class.