Aljamain Sterling's Featherweight Ambition
In a surprising twist to his illustrious fighting career, Aljamain Sterling has announced a move to the featherweight division. The former bantamweight champion revealed his intentions on the Mighty Podcast, hosted by none other than mixed martial arts icon Demetrious Johnson. This decision comes on the heels of Sterling's recent loss of the bantamweight title to Sean O'Malley at UFC 292, concluding an impressive nine-fight winning streak that included three defenses of his title.
The Weight Debate
Sterling's fluctuating weight has been a topic of discussion among fight enthusiasts and analysts alike. Historically, he has reached weights as high as 180 pounds outside of competition, a significant increase from the bantamweight limit. Currently, Sterling walks around at a healthy 170-171 pounds, a weight at which he feels strong and fit, boasting visible abs as evidence of his physical condition.
Despite the challenges, Sterling has consistently made the bantamweight limit, even though his own testing indicates he is 26.7 percent over the weight class limit when compared to his peers in the division. His commitment to making weight, despite the physical toll, underscores his dedication to competing at the highest levels of mixed martial arts.
Future Fights and Featherweight Goals
Looking ahead, Sterling is setting his sights on top-tier featherweight contenders, with ambitions to challenge fighters of the caliber of Alexander Volkanovski. He has plans to make a splash in the featherweight pool by facing off against Max Holloway in what promises to be a highly anticipated debut. A victory over Holloway could catapult Sterling into immediate title contention within the new division.
However, not everyone agrees with Sterling's decision to change divisions. Daniel Cormier, former two-division UFC champion and respected commentator, has voiced his opinion that Sterling should remain at 135 pounds. Cormier suggests that athletes 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 dominate and earn his way back to a title shot at bantamweight, where his skills have already proven formidable.
A Look Back at Sterling's Featherweight History
This isn't Sterling's first foray into the featherweight division. He has fought at this weight once before, securing a TKO victory at Cage Fury FC 10 back in 2011. However, at 5'7", Sterling would be considered one of the smaller competitors in the UFC's featherweight ranks, a fact that adds another layer of intrigue to his upcoming battles.
Sterling's Perspective on the Move
Aljamain Sterling remains unfazed by the skepticism surrounding his divisional shift. Reflecting on his career, he acknowledges his past success at both wrestling and MMA, attributing it to his ability to adapt and overcome. "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," Sterling confidently stated.
He also hinted at the possibility of a grand return to action at UFC 300 or perhaps an earlier event in March, indicating that both he and Holloway are currently without commitments, setting the stage for what could be an epic encounter.
Conclusion
Aljamain Sterling's transition to the featherweight division adds an exciting chapter to his career narrative. While opinions may vary on the prudence of this move, there's no denying Sterling's tenacity and will to compete. As the MMA community buzzes with anticipation, all eyes will be on Sterling to see if he can replicate his bantamweight success in the 145-pound category and cement his legacy as a versatile and fearless fighter.