Aljamain Sterling Announces Featherweight Division Move
In a recent revelation that has sent ripples through the mixed martial arts community, former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has announced his decision to move up to the featherweight division. This significant career shift was disclosed on the Mighty Podcast, hosted by none other than MMA legend Demetrious Johnson.
Sterling, who has previously tipped the scales at 180 pounds during his off-season, currently maintains a healthy weight of around 170-171 pounds—a physique he confidently describes as lean and fit. Despite a successful tenure at 135 pounds, which saw him amass a nine-fight winning streak with three title defenses, Sterling's time in the bantamweight division came to an end after a loss to Sean O'Malley at UFC 292.
The decision to transition to a higher weight class comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. At 5'7", Sterling will be one of the shorter athletes in the featherweight category, but this is not deterring him from setting his sights high. He aims to square off against top contenders such as Alexander Volkanovski and plans for a formidable featherweight debut against Max Holloway—a fight that could potentially catapult him into immediate title contention.
Weight Class Considerations
According to Sterling, his body composition analysis indicates that he is 26.7 percent over the bantamweight limit when compared to his peers within the division. "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 ability to meet the required limits despite the physical toll.
His dedication to making weight and competing at the highest level is unwavering. "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," Sterling affirmed, reflecting on his disciplined approach to competition across different stages of his athletic career.
Industry Perspectives
Not everyone agrees with Sterling's strategic move. Daniel Cormier, a former two-division UFC champion and respected analyst, voiced his opinion that Sterling should remain at 135 pounds. Cormier argues that fighters often change weight classes when they encounter obstacles or struggle to find success, suggesting that Sterling still has a viable path at bantamweight. "Those guys are big. He's a bit of a tweener... 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 advised.
Despite the skepticism, Sterling remains undeterred. His history of competing at featherweight, albeit briefly, includes a TKO victory at Cage Fury FC 10 in 2011. This previous experience, coupled with his current resolve, suggests that he is not entering uncharted territory but rather revisiting a landscape with a fresh perspective and renewed vigor.
Looking Ahead
As for what lies ahead, Sterling hinted at a potential return to action, possibly aligning with the milestone UFC 300 event or eyeing a March comeback. "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, giving fans something to look forward to.
In concluding his thoughts on the weight class change, Sterling reflected on his career-long philosophy: "I've always done it. It's the only thing I've ever known and I've always competed at a high level and I won. I was like, if it ain't broke don't fix it." Yet, in this instance, Sterling appears ready to adjust the formula, aiming to prove that his competitive edge can translate across divisions in the unforgiving arena of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
As the MMA community buzzes with anticipation, all eyes will be on Aljamain Sterling as he embarks on this new chapter in his career, seeking to establish himself amongst the featherweight elite and perhaps, once again, wear UFC gold.