Aljamain Sterling Sets Sights on Featherweight Division

Aljamain Sterling's Featherweight Aspirations

In a surprising turn of events, former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has announced his decision to move up a weight class. During an engaging conversation on the Mighty Podcast hosted by Demetrious Johnson, Sterling revealed his plans to join the featherweight division.

Sterling, whose physicality has seen him reach weights as high as 180 pounds outside of his fighting career, currently maintains a healthy weight of approximately 170-171 pounds. This recent declaration comes in the wake of his loss to Sean O'Malley at UFC 292, which ended his impressive nine-fight winning streak and saw him relinquish the bantamweight title.

The former champion is not new to the challenges of weight management. He highlighted that he is 26.7 percent over the weight class limit when compared to other bantamweights, yet has consistently made the required weight for competitions. His rigorous discipline and commitment have been a testament to his dedication to the sport.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

As Sterling sets his sights on the featherweight category, he is already eyeing top contenders such as Alexander Volkanovski. However, he plans to make his debut against none other than Max Holloway, a fight that could instantly catapult him into significant contender status within the division.

Daniel Cormier, a respected voice in the mixed martial arts community, has expressed his opinion on Sterling's decision. Cormier suggests that Sterling should remain at 135 pounds, citing that athletes often shift weight classes in search of new challenges or after finding it difficult to achieve success in their current division. He believes Sterling still has the potential to dominate the bantamweight class and work his way back to a title shot.

Despite standing at 5'7", which would place him among the shorter fighters in the featherweight division, Sterling is no stranger to competing against bigger opponents. He won by TKO in his sole previous featherweight bout at Cage Fury FC 10 back in 2011, demonstrating his capability to adapt and succeed.

Sterling's Perspective on Weight and Competition

Sterling has been candid about his weight fluctuations and the demanding process of cutting weight. "I've been 180, a little heavier than 180. It's not a good, healthy 180, but I could get up there," he admitted, acknowledging the strain such weight gain can put on the body. Despite this, he feels robust and fit at his current weight, sporting a physique that belies the grueling weight cuts he has endured. "I feel good where I'm at right now...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," Sterling reflected.

His resilience and ability to meet the strict weight requirements of the bantamweight division have been nothing short of remarkable. "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," Sterling stated, emphasizing his successful track record despite the odds.

With a mix of confidence and a nod to his wrestling background, Sterling remains unfazed by the critics. "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 asserted.

Looking ahead, Sterling is considering significant events 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 speculated, hinting at the potential timing for his highly anticipated return to the octagon.

In conclusion, while some, like Cormier, may advise caution, Sterling's move to featherweight represents a bold new chapter in his career. With his previous successes and unyielding spirit, the MMA community will be watching closely as Sterling embarks on this new challenge, potentially shaking up the featherweight hierarchy.