Aljamain Sterling's Featherweight Aspirations
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 UFC's featherweight division. The news came during an appearance on the Mighty Podcast, hosted by none other than MMA legend Demetrious Johnson.
Sterling, whose physique has fluctuated significantly over the years, has been known to walk around as heavy as 180 pounds when not preparing for a fight. Despite such a substantial off-season weight, he maintains a current walking weight of approximately 170-171 pounds and asserts that he feels fit and healthy at this size. His physical condition is noteworthy, especially considering the rigors of weight cutting that fighters often endure.
The decision to change weight classes follows a recent setback at UFC 292, where Sterling surrendered his bantamweight title to the rising star Sean O'Malley. Prior to this defeat, Sterling had been on an impressive nine-fight winning streak, successfully defending his title three times. However, the loss to O'Malley appears to have prompted a reevaluation of his career trajectory.
One of the compelling factors behind Sterling's move could be his weight relative to the bantamweight limit. He revealed that testing indicated he is 26.7 percent over the weight class limit compared to his peers in the division. Despite this, Sterling has consistently made the required weight, showcasing his discipline and determination.
Sterling's ambitions are set high as he eyes competition against top-tier featherweight contenders. A potential matchup with Max Holloway, a former featherweight champion, looms on the horizon for his debut in the new division. A victory over Holloway would undoubtedly establish Sterling as a formidable presence at 145 pounds and propel him into title contention.
Despite his confidence, not everyone is convinced that Sterling's move to featherweight is prudent. Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier has voiced his opinion that Sterling should remain at 135 pounds. Cormier suggests that fighters typically shift weight classes in search of easier paths to success or when they encounter insurmountable challenges. He believes Sterling stands a better chance of regaining his footing and working his way back to a title shot in the bantamweight division, where his skillset has already proven to be elite.
It's worth noting that Sterling is no stranger to the featherweight class, having competed at that weight early in his career. His sole previous outing at 145 pounds resulted in a TKO victory at Cage Fury FC 10 back in 2011. Standing at 5'7", Sterling would indeed be among the smaller competitors in the UFC featherweight ranks, which raises questions about the advantages he might lose in terms of reach and size that he enjoyed at bantamweight.
Sterling's Perspective on Weight and Competition
Reflecting on his past experiences with managing his weight, Sterling has expressed a sense of bewilderment at his ability to consistently make the bantamweight limit. "I've been 180, a little heavier than 180. It's not a good, healthy 180, but I could get up there," he said, acknowledging the toll such fluctuations can take on one's body. He added, "I feel good where I'm at right now, I'm about 170, 171, and that's a good, healthy weight for me. 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 also addressed the skepticism that sometimes surrounds drastic weight cuts in combat sports. "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 stated, reflecting a wrestler's mindset of overcoming adversities related to weight management.
Looking ahead, Sterling hinted at a possible return to action at a milestone event, suggesting that "UFC 300 could be a fire card, comeback for that, or maybe March." This indicates that fans may not have to wait too long to see how 'The Funk Master' adapts to his new surroundings in the featherweight division.
While Sterling remains resolute in his decision, citing a philosophy of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," it remains to be seen whether this new chapter at featherweight will lead to a resurgence or serve as a cautionary tale in the unforgiving world of mixed martial arts.