A New Challenge: Aljamain Sterling Sets Sights on Featherweight Division
In a significant career move, former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has announced his decision to enter the featherweight division. The revelation came during an appearance on the Mighty Podcast, hosted by none other than mixed martial arts (MMA) icon Demetrious Johnson.
Sterling, who has previously competed at a walking-around weight of as much as 180 pounds, feels comfortable and healthy maintaining a weight around 170-171 pounds. This shift in weight class comes after his recent loss of the bantamweight title to Sean O'Malley at UFC 292, which ended Sterling's impressive nine-fight winning streak that included three defenses of his title.
Despite being significantly heavier than the bantamweight limit—26.7 percent over, according to his own testing—Sterling has consistently made the cut for the 135-pound limit. His dedication to the weight-cutting process is rooted in his wrestling background, where managing one's weight is often part of the competitive strategy.
Looking Ahead to Featherweight Contenders
The ambition driving Sterling's move up in weight class is clear—he aims to test his mettle against top featherweight contenders, including the likes of Alexander Volkanovski. However, it's a fight with Max Holloway that Sterling has pinpointed for his featherweight debut. A victory over a former champion like Holloway would undoubtedly propel Sterling into immediate title contention within the new division.
Yet, not everyone agrees with Sterling's decision to change divisions. Daniel Cormier, a former two-division UFC champion himself, has expressed his belief that Sterling should remain at 135 pounds. Cormier's perspective stems from a common perception in combat sports that athletes often switch weight classes in search of easier paths to success or when they encounter obstacles in their current division. He acknowledges Sterling's potential to reclaim a title at bantamweight, considering him "undeniable" when competing at his best in that weight class.
Despite Cormier's reservations, Sterling is no stranger to competing at featherweight. He made a successful foray into the 145-pound division early in his career, securing a TKO victory at Cage Fury FC 10 back in 2011. At 5'7", though, Sterling will be one of the smaller fighters in a division known for its range of taller and longer competitors.
Sterling's Resolve and Future Prospects
Aljamain Sterling's resolve remains unshaken by critics and the challenges ahead. He has always embraced the rigors of competition, from his days on the wrestling mat through to his MMA career. "I've been 180, a little heavier than 180. It's not a good, healthy 180, but I could get up there," Sterling admitted, reflecting on his past struggles with weight. Yet, he maintains a positive outlook on his current physical condition, stating, "I feel good fight where I'm at right now, I'm about 170, 171, and that's a good, healthy weight for me. I'm not fat. I've got some abs going. I don't know how I've ever made it [to 135], and I don't know how I've made it for so long."
His confidence extends to his ability to make the required weight, despite the statistical disparity with his peers in the bantamweight division. "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. I make the weight," he declared. Sterling's commitment to his craft is evident in his words: "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."
As for his next steps, Sterling has hinted at a potential timeline for his featherweight debut. "He doesn't have anything to do right now. I don't have anything to do right now. I think UFC 300 could be a fire card, comeback for that, or maybe March," he mused, suggesting that fans may not have to wait long to see him compete at his new weight class.
With this bold move, Aljamain Sterling is poised to begin a new chapter in his fighting career. Whether this transition will lead to a resurgence and another championship reign remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Sterling's determination to compete and succeed at the highest levels of MMA continues to drive him forward, regardless of the weight class in which he fights.