Aljamain Sterling Announces Move to Featherweight Division
In a surprising turn of events, former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has declared his intention to move up a weight class. During an appearance on the Mighty Podcast hosted by MMA legend Demetrious Johnson, Sterling announced his plans to join the featherweight ranks.
Known for his agility and technical prowess in the Octagon, Sterling has previously competed at heavier weights, tipping the scales as high as 180 pounds outside of his fighting career. Despite this, he maintains a healthy lifestyle, currently weighing between 170-171 pounds—a physique he describes as fit and well-conditioned.
The decision to change divisions follows a recent setback where Sterling relinquished his bantamweight title to rising star Sean O'Malley at UFC 292. Prior to this defeat, Sterling enjoyed a formidable nine-fight winning streak, successfully defending his title three times. His dominance in the bantamweight division was undeniable, yet the loss to O'Malley has prompted a strategic shift in his career path.
Despite being 26.7 percent above the weight class limit when compared to fellow bantamweights, Sterling has consistently made weight, showcasing his dedication and discipline. He's now setting his sights on top-tier featherweight contenders, expressing a desire to take on names like Alexander Volkanovski, the reigning featherweight champion at the time of his announcement.
Sterling's featherweight debut is expected to be against none other than Max Holloway, a former champion and one of the most respected fighters in the division. A victory over Holloway would not only cement Sterling's place in the featherweight category but could also position him as a significant contender for the title.
Daniel Cormier Weighs In on Sterling's Weight Class Change
Not everyone agrees with Sterling's decision to move up in weight. Daniel Cormier, a former two-division champion and respected commentator, has voiced his opinion that Sterling should remain at 135 pounds. Cormier reasons that athletes typically switch weight classes in search of new challenges or after struggling to find success. He acknowledges Sterling's skill but suggests that the fighter's physical attributes might serve him better in the bantamweight division.
Cormier points out that Sterling's height of 5'7" would make him one of the smaller competitors among featherweights, potentially putting him at a disadvantage against larger opponents. Nevertheless, Cormier concedes that Sterling's talent and determination give him a good chance to work his way back to a title fight, possibly making him "undeniable" once again in the bantamweight class.
Sterling Reflects on His Career and Future Goals
Reflecting on his career, Sterling remains confident in his ability to compete at the highest levels, drawing parallels to his wrestling background. He emphasizes that cutting weight and competing in lower weight classes have been part of his regimen since his wrestling days, which has translated into his mixed martial arts career. "I've always done it," Sterling asserts, believing in the philosophy that if something isn't broken, there's no need to fix it.
With a history of success at featherweight—albeit early in his career with a TKO win at Cage Fury FC 10 in 2011—Sterling is no stranger to the division. He sees his upcoming fights as an opportunity to reignite his career and prove his mettle against some of the best fighters in the world.
As anticipation builds for his featherweight debut, Sterling hints at a possible return at a landmark event such as UFC 300 or perhaps earlier in March. With the MMA community buzzing about his next moves, Sterling's transition to featherweight adds an exciting narrative to the ever-evolving landscape of the UFC.
In conclusion, Aljamain Sterling's move to featherweight is a bold step in an already illustrious career. As he prepares to face new challenges and potentially larger adversaries, the MMA world will be watching closely to see if this strategic pivot can propel him to new heights within the Ultimate Fighting Championship.