Aljamain Sterling's Featherweight Leap
In a surprising twist to his mixed martial arts career, former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has announced a move up to the featherweight division. The news broke during his appearance on the Mighty Podcast, hosted by none other than MMA legend Demetrious Johnson.
Sterling, who has previously tipped the scales at 180 pounds outside of competition, currently maintains a healthier weight around 170-171 pounds. This new regimen appears to suit him well, as he mentioned feeling good and maintaining a lean physique with visible abs. Despite the comfort at his current weight, Sterling is no stranger to the grueling process of cutting down, having previously made the bantamweight limit of 135 pounds multiple times throughout his career.
His tenure in the bantamweight division was marked by a nine-fight winning streak, including three successful title defenses. However, this impressive run came to an end at UFC 292, where he suffered a loss to Sean O'Malley, relinquishing his championship belt. It was after this setback that Sterling began considering a change in his fighting strategy, which now includes stepping up a weight class.
The transition to featherweight isn't entirely new for Sterling; he fought once before at this weight early in his career at Cage Fury FC 10 in 2011, securing a TKO victory. Now, standing at 5'7", he will be one of the smaller competitors in a division filled with larger adversaries. Yet, Sterling seems undeterred, expressing a desire to take on top contenders like Alexander Volkanovski and planning a high-stakes debut against Max Holloway. A victory over Holloway could propel Sterling into immediate title contention within the featherweight ranks.
Despite his ambition, some voices within the MMA community have expressed skepticism about Sterling's decision to change divisions. Notably, Daniel Cormier, former two-division UFC champion and respected commentator, has openly stated his belief that Sterling should remain at 135 pounds. Cormier suggests that fighters often switch weight classes when they encounter challenges or struggle to find success, implying that Sterling's move might be premature. He also pointed out the physical disadvantages Sterling may face against the naturally bigger athletes at featherweight.
Cormier's concerns are not without merit. Athletes changing weight classes can sometimes find the adjustment difficult, both in terms of physicality and performance. However, Sterling seems confident in his decision, drawing from his extensive experience in competitive wrestling and mixed martial arts. "I've always done it," Sterling said, referring to his history of competing and succeeding across different weight classes. "It's the only thing I've ever known and I've always competed at a high level and won. If it ain't broke don't fix it."
While Sterling's determination is evident, the statistics do raise an eyebrow. He disclosed that he is 26.7 percent over the weight class limit when compared to other bantamweights—a figure that underscores the significant weight cuts he has endured. Yet, Sterling remains resolute, asserting that making weight is a challenge he has consistently overcome: "People can say whatever they want. This is the only way I know how to compete... It's not easy, but I always get it done."
As for his future plans, Sterling hinted at a potential return to action either at the landmark UFC 300 event or possibly in March, though no official date has been confirmed. What is clear is that Sterling's move to featherweight adds a layer of intrigue to the division, potentially shaking up the rankings and offering fresh matchups for fight fans to anticipate.
In conclusion, Aljamain Sterling's decision to venture into the featherweight division marks a bold step in his career. With the support of his fans and the scrutiny of critics alike, all eyes will be on Sterling as he aims to prove himself once again in the unforgiving arena of the UFC octagon. Whether this move will lead to a resurgence or present new hurdles remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Sterling's journey continues to captivate the world of mixed martial arts.