Aljamain Sterling's Featherweight Aspirations
In a surprising turn of events, former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has announced his move to the featherweight division. The revelation came during an appearance on the Mighty Podcast, hosted by none other than mixed martial arts (MMA) legend Demetrious Johnson. This shift comes after Sterling's recent loss of the bantamweight title to Sean O'Malley at UFC 292, ending a remarkable nine-fight winning streak that included three defenses of his championship.
Making the Weight
Sterling's decision to change weight classes is not one made lightly, particularly considering his physical stature. At 5'7", he will be among the smaller competitors in the featherweight division. However, Sterling's history of cutting weight is notable; he has previously managed to drop to the bantamweight limit despite walking around as heavy as 180 pounds outside of competition. Currently maintaining a weight of approximately 170-171 pounds, Sterling feels healthy and fit, a state he attributes to a disciplined lifestyle. "I feel good fight where I'm at right now," Sterling said, emphasizing his readiness to compete at this new weight class.
The fighter also shared some revealing statistics regarding his weight-cutting journey, stating, "I did the testing and my numbers came back that I'm 26.7 percent over the weight class limit in comparison with all the other bantamweights." Despite these figures, Sterling has consistently made the required weight, showcasing his determination and commitment to competing at the highest level.
Challenges Ahead
With his sights set on the top contenders of the featherweight division, Sterling expressed a desire to face renowned fighters like Alexander Volkanovski. But before any potential matchup with the champion, Sterling is planning a high-profile debut against Max Holloway. A victory over Holloway, a respected figure in the division, could propel Sterling into immediate title contention.
Yet, not everyone believes moving up in weight is the best course of action 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 divisions when they encounter obstacles or fail to find success. He further argues that Sterling's size and proven track record at bantamweight give him a better chance to reclaim his position at the top of that division.
Cormier's concerns are not unfounded, given the size and reach advantages Sterling will likely concede to the larger featherweights. Nonetheless, Sterling is no stranger to overcoming such challenges. His sole previous fight at featherweight, a TKO victory at Cage Fury FC 10 in 2011, demonstrates his capability to succeed at a higher weight class.
Competitive Spirit
Sterling's competitive nature shines through his commentary about the upcoming challenges. "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," he stated confidently. This tenacity has been a hallmark of Sterling's approach throughout his career, and it seems to fuel his transition into the featherweight ranks.
Discussing potential timelines for his featherweight debut, Sterling hinted at a grand stage for his return, suggesting that UFC 300 could be an ideal event. Alternatively, he mentioned the possibility of a comeback in March, indicating his flexibility and eagerness to step back into the octagon.
Aljamain Sterling's move to featherweight is a bold strategy, one that carries both risk and reward. While Daniel Cormier and others may have reservations, Sterling's self-belief and past successes provide a compelling narrative as he embarks on this new chapter of his career. Whether he will replicate his bantamweight achievements at 145 pounds remains to be seen, but the MMA community will undoubtedly watch with great interest as Sterling attempts to defy the odds once more.