Aljamain Sterling's Featherweight Aspirations
In a surprising move that has stirred the mixed martial arts community, former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has announced his decision to transition to the featherweight division. The revelation came during an appearance on the Mighty Podcast, hosted by none other than MMA luminary Demetrious Johnson.
Sterling, whose physique has previously scaled as high as 180 pounds in the off-season, currently maintains a weight of approximately 170-171 pounds. Despite this being significantly above the bantamweight limit, he has expressed comfort and health at his current weight. His history of making the 135-pound limit is well-documented, albeit with challenges, as he pointed out his weight being 26.7 percent over the bantamweight class limit when compared to his peers within the division.
The shift in weight class follows a setback in Sterling's career, having lost the bantamweight title to Sean O'Malley at UFC 292. Prior to this defeat, Sterling was riding high on a nine-fight winning streak, successfully defending his title three times. It's worth noting that Sterling is no stranger to the featherweight class; he has fought in this category before, securing a TKO victory at Cage Fury FC 10 back in 2011.
Despite standing at 5'7", which would place him among the shorter competitors in the featherweight ranks, Sterling is undeterred. He has set his sights on the upper echelon of the division, expressing a desire to contend with top fighters like Alexander Volkanovski. Moreover, Sterling is targeting a high-profile matchup against Max Holloway for his debut at 145 pounds, a bout that could catapult him into immediate title contention should he emerge victorious.
Industry Perspectives
The news of Sterling's divisional leap has drawn commentary from various figures within the sport, including retired fighter and respected analyst Daniel Cormier. Cormier has voiced his opinion that Sterling should remain at bantamweight, suggesting that fighters typically change weight classes in search of new challenges or when they struggle to find success. He noted Sterling's physical dimensions as a concern, labeling him as "a bit of a tweener" and asserting that Sterling's prospects of working his way back to a title fight are more favorable at 135 pounds.
Nevertheless, Sterling remains steadfast in his decision, reflecting on his career-long practice of cutting weight and competing at a high level across different weight classes. In his own words, Sterling has always adhered to the philosophy of not fixing what isn't broken, attributing his past successes to this mindset.
Looking Ahead
As the MMA community anticipates Sterling's featherweight journey, there is speculation about the timing of his first fight in the new division. Sterling himself hinted at a potential return either for the landmark UFC 300 event or possibly as soon as March. Whichever date materializes, it's clear that Sterling's move to featherweight is more than a mere change in category—it's a strategic step aimed at reinvigorating his career and testing his mettle against a new roster of elite fighters.
While opinions may vary on the wisdom of this weight class switch, Sterling's track record suggests that he is not one to shy away from challenge. His willingness to embrace change and face formidable opponents head-on speaks to his competitive spirit. Whether this bold move will pay dividends remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the eyes of the MMA world will be closely watching Aljamain Sterling's pursuit of featherweight glory.
With an illustrious career already under his belt, Sterling's featherweight chapter adds an intriguing narrative to his legacy. Fans and pundits alike will be keen to see if this transition brings about the resurgence Sterling seeks, or if the insights of voices like Cormier will ring prophetic. Regardless, Sterling's commitment to his craft and readiness to compete ensure that his featherweight tenure will be nothing short of compelling.