Aljamain Sterling's Featherweight Aspirations
In a surprising turn of events, former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has announced his intention to move up a weight class. The fighter revealed his plans to join the featherweight division during an appearance on the Mighty Podcast, hosted by none other than mixed martial arts icon Demetrious Johnson.
Sterling, who has previously competed at weights as high as 180 pounds outside of his fights, currently maintains a healthy weight in the 170-pound range. This is a stark contrast from the bantamweight limit of 135 pounds, a weight class where he recently suffered a title loss to rising star Sean O'Malley at UFC 292. Despite this setback, which ended his impressive nine-fight winning streak that included three title defenses, Sterling is looking ahead to new challenges.
The decision to change divisions has been met with a mix of support and skepticism. Daniel Cormier, former two-division UFC champion and respected commentator, has publicly expressed his belief that Sterling should remain at 135 pounds. Cormier suggests that fighters often switch weight classes in search of new opportunities or when they struggle to find success. However, he acknowledges that Sterling has the potential to work his way back to a title shot at bantamweight due to his undeniable skill set.
Despite Cormier's reservations, Sterling is confident in his ability to compete at featherweight. He cites a comprehensive testing process that concluded he is 26.7 percent over the weight class limit compared to other bantamweights. "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," Sterling reflected on his history of making weight. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," he added, reinforcing his belief in his methodology.
Aiming for the Top
Sterling's ambitions are not limited to simply competing in the featherweight division; he aims to face its best contenders. A fight against Max Holloway, a former featherweight champion himself, is reportedly planned for Sterling's debut at the new weight. Should he secure a victory over Holloway, it would position him as a significant player in the featherweight hierarchy and potentially fast-track him towards a title opportunity.
The challenge will be substantial. At 5'7", Sterling would be one of the smaller competitors in the featherweight category, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by critics like Cormier. Yet, Sterling remains undeterred, setting his sights on elite featherweights like Alexander Volkanovski, the reigning champion at the time of Sterling's announcement.
As Sterling prepares for this new chapter in his career, the MMA community watches with keen interest. His previous stint at featherweight, though brief, was successful; he secured a TKO victory at Cage Fury FC 10 back in 2011. Now, more than a decade later, Sterling's return to the division comes with a wealth of experience and a point to prove.
While some athletes might view a move up in weight as a daunting prospect, Sterling appears to embrace the challenge with open arms. "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," said Sterling, showcasing his resolve and determination.
What Lies Ahead
Speculation about Sterling's first fight at featherweight is already building momentum. With mentions of UFC 300 as a potential stage for his comeback, fans are eager to see how Sterling will adapt to the new weight class and whether his performance will justify his bold move. A win against a high-caliber opponent like Holloway could indeed make Sterling an instant contender and validate his strategic shift.
As the date of his featherweight debut approaches, Sterling continues to train and prepare for what may be the most pivotal fight of his career. Whether he will replicate his bantamweight success at a higher weight remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Aljamain Sterling is ready to take on the featherweight division with the same tenacity and skill that made him a champion at bantamweight.