Aljamain Sterling Announces Featherweight Move
In a surprising turn of events, former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has declared his intention to move up to the featherweight division. The announcement came during an appearance on the Mighty Podcast, hosted by MMA legend Demetrious Johnson. Known for his dynamic fighting style and impressive grappling skills, Sterling's decision has sent ripples through the mixed martial arts community.
A New Challenge at Featherweight
Despite previously competing at a heavier weight, Sterling's career has been largely defined by his time in the bantamweight class, where he recently experienced a setback. At UFC 292, he lost the bantamweight title to rising star Sean O'Malley, ending a formidable nine-fight winning streak that included three defenses of his championship. This loss appears to have catalyzed his decision to pursue new challenges at 145 pounds.
With his sights set on top contenders like Alexander Volkanovski, Sterling is not just looking to participate in the featherweight division; he aims to dominate it. He has expressed plans to make his debut against none other than Max Holloway, a former featherweight champion himself. A victory over Holloway would not only be a significant accomplishment but could also position Sterling as a major contender in his new weight class.
The Weight Debate
Weight management is a critical aspect of combat sports, and Sterling's move to featherweight raises questions about his previous struggles with making weight. He has openly discussed weighing as much as 180 pounds outside of competition, a figure that is significantly higher than the bantamweight limit. Currently hovering around 170-171 pounds, Sterling feels healthy and maintains that this is a good weight for him, despite the fact that it puts him 26.7 percent over the bantamweight limit—a considerable margin compared to his peers in the division.
Sterling's experience with weight cutting is extensive, dating back to his wrestling days. He acknowledges the difficulty of the process but prides himself on always making the necessary weight. "I've always done it. It's the only thing I've ever known, and I've always competed at a high level and won," said Sterling, defending his rigorous regimen.
Expert Opinions
Not everyone agrees with Sterling's decision to move up in weight. Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier has voiced his opinion that Sterling should remain at 135 pounds. Cormier believes that fighters typically change weight classes when they encounter obstacles or fail to find success. Given Sterling's track record at bantamweight, Cormier sees him as having a better chance to work his way back to a title fight in that division.
Cormier also points out the physical disadvantages Sterling might face at featherweight. Standing at 5'7", Sterling would be one of the smaller competitors in the division, which is populated by larger and potentially more powerful athletes. Despite these concerns, Sterling remains undeterred and confident in his ability to compete successfully at a higher weight class.
Looking Ahead
As Sterling prepares for his featherweight journey, he hints at potential dates for his 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," Sterling speculated, suggesting that fans may not have to wait long to see him in action again.
His past experience in the featherweight division, albeit limited, offers some insight into what to expect. Sterling fought once at featherweight early in his career, securing a TKO victory at Cage Fury FC 10 in 2011. While much has changed since then, this prior success suggests that Sterling can adapt to the demands of the heavier weight class.
As the MMA world awaits Sterling's next move, discussions abound regarding his potential impact on the featherweight division. With his determination and skill set, Sterling's transition will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched developments in the sport. Whether he will replicate his bantamweight success at 145 pounds remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Aljamain Sterling is ready to test himself against the best featherweights in the world.