A New Challenge: Aljamain Sterling Shifts to Featherweight
In a surprising move that has set the MMA community abuzz, former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has announced his decision to compete in the featherweight division. This revelation came during an appearance on the Mighty Podcast, hosted by none other than Demetrious Johnson, where Sterling detailed his future plans.
Known for his agility and technical prowess in the octagon, Sterling has previously walked around as heavy as 180 pounds when not preparing for competition. However, he currently maintains a healthier weight of approximately 170-171 pounds, a regimen that keeps him in fighting shape with visible abs to prove it. Sterling's weight management is noteworthy given the extreme lengths fighters often go to cut weight; he himself acknowledged being 26.7 percent over the bantamweight limit, a substantial margin even among his peers.
Despite this, Sterling's tenure at bantamweight was impressive, amassing a nine-fight winning streak and successfully defending his title three times before succumbing to Sean O'Malley at UFC 292. The loss marked the end of a dominant chapter at 135 pounds, but now, Sterling looks ahead to new horizons.
Sterling isn't just eyeing any featherweight bout; he's setting his sights high, expressing a desire to take on top contenders like Alexander Volkanovski. More immediately, he plans to make his 145-pound debut against none other than Max Holloway, a fight that could catapult him into significant contender status should he emerge victorious.
However, not everyone is convinced that moving up a weight class is the best course of action for Sterling. Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier has voiced his opinion that Sterling should remain in the bantamweight division. Cormier suggests that athletes typically shift weight classes in search of new challenges or when they struggle to find success. He notes that at 5'7", Sterling would be one of the smaller competitors in the featherweight category, potentially putting him at a disadvantage against larger opponents.
Cormier's concern centers on the physical demands and size disparities Sterling might face at featherweight. "Those guys are big," Cormier remarked, highlighting the challenge ahead. Nevertheless, he also recognized Sterling's potential resilience, suggesting that with enough wins, the fighter could work his way back to a title shot, where he may have a better chance at 135 pounds once he becomes "undeniable again."
For Sterling, though, the decision seems rooted in self-belief and a lifetime of competing above his weight. Reflecting on his career, he stated, "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. I was like, if it ain't broke don't fix it." This mindset, forged through years of wrestling from high school to college and now professional MMA, has served him well, including a victory at featherweight early in his career at Cage Fury FC 10 in 2011.
Looking forward, Sterling hinted at a possible return at a landmark event, suggesting UFC 300 could be a "fire card" for his comeback, or alternatively, a fight night in March. Regardless of the exact timing, his transition to featherweight promises to add an intriguing narrative to the division, as fans and analysts alike will eagerly watch to see if Sterling can translate his bantamweight success to the higher weight class.
As the MMA world anticipates Aljamain Sterling's next steps, his journey serves as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the sport, where adaptation and reinvention are often the keys to longevity and success. Whether this weight class change will lead to another championship reign remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Sterling's ambition and willingness to challenge himself continue to make him one of the most compelling figures in mixed martial arts today.