A New Challenge: Aljamain Sterling Sets Sights on Featherweight Division
In a surprising turn of events, former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has announced his intention to move up a weight class and compete in the featherweight division. This significant career pivot was revealed during an appearance on the Mighty Podcast, hosted by none other than mixed martial arts legend Demetrious Johnson.
From Bantamweight to Featherweight
Sterling's decision comes after a notable run in the bantamweight category, where he recently ceded his title to Sean O'Malley at UFC 292. Prior to this defeat, Sterling had been on a nine-fight winning streak, successfully defending his title three times. His tenure at bantamweight was marked by a rigorous weight management regimen, with Sterling often ballooning up to 180 pounds outside of competition—well above the bantamweight limit.
Despite the challenges of cutting weight, Sterling managed to maintain a competitive edge in the 135-pound division. However, he now feels ready to take on new adversaries at 145 pounds, expressing a desire to face top contenders like Alexander Volkanovski and planning a high-profile debut against Max Holloway. A victory over Holloway could quickly propel Sterling into title contention within the featherweight ranks.
At 5'7", Sterling acknowledges that he would be one of the smaller fighters in the featherweight division. Yet, he remains undeterred, drawing confidence from his previous success at Cage Fury FC 10 in 2011, where he secured a TKO victory in his sole featherweight bout.
The Weight Debate: Health vs. Performance
Currently weighing in at a healthy 170-171 pounds, Sterling is content with his physique, sporting a fit frame complete with visible abdominals. He reflects on his past struggles to make the bantamweight limit, marveling at his ability to do so for an extended period. Sterling has undergone testing that indicates he is 26.7 percent heavier than the average bantamweight, yet he has consistently met the required weight for competitions. He attributes this success to his wrestling background, which instilled a discipline for making weight despite the difficulties involved.
His determination is clear as he states, "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."
Mixed Opinions on Sterling's Move
Not everyone is convinced that Sterling's shift to featherweight is the right move. Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier has voiced his opinion that Sterling should remain at bantamweight. Cormier suggests that fighters typically change weight classes due to encountering obstacles or failing to achieve success, neither of which he believes applies to Sterling's situation.
Cormier further elaborates on his stance, acknowledging Sterling's size disadvantage at featherweight and emphasizing his potential to reclaim dominance at bantamweight. "Those guys are big. He's a bit of a tweener... is too big. He has a good chance at winning enough fights to work his way back to a title fight. He has a better chance at 135 when he's undeniable again," Cormier opines.
Looking Ahead: Sterling's Future Fights
Regardless of the differing views, Sterling seems intent on forging his path in the featherweight division. He hints at a possible return at a milestone event such as UFC 300 or perhaps as early as March, signaling his readiness to dive back into the fray. With his track record of perseverance and adaptability, Sterling's venture into the featherweight waters will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched narratives in MMA circles.
As the MMA community anticipates Sterling's next steps, his legacy as a bantamweight champion remains intact. Now, as he embarks on this new chapter, the question remains: Will Sterling's gamble pay off, or will the weight of expectation prove too heavy? Only time will tell if the move to featherweight will allow Sterling to spread his wings and soar to new heights in the UFC.