A New Challenge Ahead: Aljamain Sterling Eyes Featherweight Division
In a surprising turn of events, former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has announced his decision to move up a weight class and compete in the featherweight division. This revelation came during his appearance on the Mighty Podcast, hosted by none other than MMA legend Demetrious Johnson.
Known for his agility and tactical prowess in the octagon, Sterling has had a notable career at 135 pounds. However, he has previously reached as high as 180 pounds when not actively competing, a detail he candidly shared with listeners. Maintaining a current walking weight of approximately 170-171 pounds, Sterling feels fit and ready to tackle this new challenge.
The shift in weight class comes on the heels of a setback in his illustrious career; Sterling lost the bantamweight title to rising star Sean O'Malley at UFC 292. Prior to this defeat, he enjoyed a nine-fight winning streak, successfully defending his title three times. Despite the loss, Sterling's ambition remains undeterred as he sets his sights on top-tier featherweight adversaries.
Aspirations and Calculations
Sterling's aspirations within the featherweight realm are high, with his eyes set on formidable opponents such as the division's stalwart, Alexander Volkanovski. More immediately, he has expressed a desire to face former champion Max Holloway in what would be his debut match at 145 pounds. A victory over Holloway could propel Sterling into significant contender status within the featherweight ranks.
Interestingly, Sterling has delved into the analytics of his weight management, revealing that he is 26.7 percent heavier than the bantamweight limit, a stark contrast to his fellow competitors in the division. Nevertheless, he remains confident in his ability to make weight, citing his disciplined approach rooted in his wrestling background.
"I've always done it. It's the only thing I've ever known and I've always competed at a high level and won. If it ain't broke, don't fix it," Sterling stated, reflecting on his history of weight cutting and competition.
Opinions from the Experts
While Sterling is optimistic about his prospects at featherweight, not everyone shares his enthusiasm. Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier has voiced his concerns, suggesting that Sterling should remain in the bantamweight division. Cormier's perspective is that fighters often switch weight classes due to challenges or a lack of success, implying that Sterling's recent loss might be influencing his decision.
Cormier also pointed out the physical disparities Sterling may face, noting, "Those guys are big. He's a bit of a tweener... is too big." He elaborates that Sterling's chances of regaining a title are stronger at bantamweight, where he has proven himself to be an undeniable force.
Yet, Sterling is no stranger to the featherweight landscape, having fought once before at Cage Fury FC 10 in 2011, where he secured a win via TKO. Standing at 5'7", Sterling would indeed be one of the smaller athletes in the featherweight division, but his skill set and experience could bridge the gap in size and power.
Looking to the Future
With a potential bout against Holloway and the prospect of appearing on a milestone event like UFC 300, Sterling is clearly plotting a robust path forward in his career. His determination to succeed at a higher weight class speaks to his competitive spirit and willingness to adapt.
Only time will tell if Sterling's gamble pays off and whether his transition to featherweight will mirror the success he found at bantamweight. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely as Sterling embarks on this next phase of his fighting journey, eager to see if he can once again rise to the top of a UFC division.
As the MMA community debates the potential outcomes, Sterling remains focused on his goal, ready to prove his doubters wrong and cement his legacy as a versatile and formidable fighter across multiple weight classes.