Aljamain Sterling Announces Featherweight Move
In a surprising turn of events, former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has declared his intention to move up to the featherweight division. This revelation came during an appearance on the Mighty Podcast, hosted by none other than MMA legend Demetrious Johnson.
Sterling, who has previously competed at as much as 180 pounds outside of his fighting career, currently maintains a healthy weight of around 170-171 pounds. He believes this is a sustainable weight for him, noting that he still retains a fit physique complete with visible abs. This decision comes on the heels of his loss of the bantamweight title to Sean O'Malley at UFC 292, which ended his impressive nine-fight winning streak that included three defenses of his title.
The fighter's move to featherweight is not without its calculations. Sterling points out that he is 26.7 percent heavier than the limit for bantamweights, a statistic he feels justifies his decision to compete in a higher weight class. Despite concerns about his size, with a height of 5'7", Sterling is setting his sights high within the featherweight ranks, expressing a desire to take on top contenders such as Alexander Volkanovski.
Aiming for the Top
Sterling's ambitions are clear as he plans to make his featherweight debut against none other than Max Holloway. A victory over Holloway would not only establish Sterling as a formidable presence in the featherweight division but could also catapult him into contention for the title.
However, not everyone is convinced that this is the right move for Sterling. Daniel Cormier, a 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 when they encounter obstacles or struggle to find success, implying that Sterling's move might be premature. He also highlights Sterling's previous success at bantamweight, suggesting that his chances of regaining a title are stronger in the lower weight class.
Despite Cormier's reservations, Sterling remains undeterred. He cites his history of adapting to different competitive environments, from wrestling to college wrestling, and now professional MMA. His philosophy is simple: if it isn't broken, there's no need to fix it. This mindset has served him well throughout his athletic career, and he sees no reason to alter his approach now.
Looking Ahead
As for his next steps, Sterling hinted at a potential return at UFC 300 or perhaps earlier in March. With both fighters currently without scheduled bouts, a match-up between Sterling and Holloway could indeed be a highlight for either event.
It's worth noting that Sterling has dabbled in the featherweight division before, albeit early in his career. He secured a TKO victory at Cage Fury FC 10 back in 2011, giving him some experience at the 145-pound limit. However, the competition in the UFC's featherweight division is fierce, and Sterling will have to prove that his skills and power translate effectively against larger opponents.
Aljamain Sterling's journey through the ranks of the UFC has been one marked by determination and adaptability. As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if his calculated risk pays off. Will Sterling's move to featherweight bring him the success he seeks, or will it prove to be a step too far for the former bantamweight champion? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Sterling is not one to shy away from a challenge.