Aljamain Sterling's Featherweight Division Ambitions
In a surprising turn of events, former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has announced his intention to move up to the featherweight division. The revelation came during his appearance on the Mighty Podcast, hosted by MMA legend Demetrious Johnson. This decision marks a significant shift in Sterling's career, following his recent loss of the bantamweight title.
Weight Management and Health
Sterling has been open about his struggles with weight management, admitting to reaching weights as high as 180 pounds outside of competition—a far cry from the bantamweight limit. Despite this, he maintains a healthy weight of around 170-171 pounds currently and asserts that he feels good at this weight, even sporting a fit physique complete with abs. His ability to make the bantamweight limit, despite being 26.7 percent over the class limit compared to his peers, speaks volumes about his dedication and discipline.
Title Loss and Future Prospects
The fighter's move to featherweight comes after a tough loss to Sean O'Malley at UFC 292, which ended his nine-fight winning streak and stripped him of his title after three successful defenses. Undeterred, Sterling is already eyeing top contenders in the featherweight division, including the likes of Alexander Volkanovski. However, his immediate focus is set on Max Holloway, whom he plans to face in his debut match at the new weight class. A victory against Holloway would not only cement Sterling's position in the featherweight category but could also propel him into title contention.
Industry Opinions
Not everyone agrees with Sterling's decision to change divisions. Daniel Cormier, a respected figure in the MMA community, has expressed his belief that Sterling should remain at 135 pounds. Cormier suggests that fighters typically switch weight classes when they encounter challenges or struggle to find success in their current division. He further notes Sterling's size, pointing out that at 5'7", he would be one of the smaller competitors in the featherweight division, potentially putting him at a disadvantage against larger opponents.
Despite these concerns, Sterling remains steadfast in his decision. Reflecting on his career, he acknowledges that his approach to competing has always involved overcoming weight management challenges, from wrestling through college to his professional MMA career. His philosophy is simple: if it's not broken, there's no need to fix it.
A Look Back and Ahead
Aljamain Sterling is no stranger to the featherweight class, albeit it has been a decade since he fought at that weight, earning a TKO victory at Cage Fury FC 10 back in 2011. As he prepares for his return to the featherweight ranks, Sterling seems unfazed by the scale of the task ahead. He hints at a potential comeback fight, suggesting that UFC 300 could be an ideal event for such a significant bout, or perhaps an earlier opportunity in March.
This transition phase in Sterling's career is met with both anticipation and skepticism. While he has proven his skill and resilience time and again, the move to featherweight will test his adaptability against larger adversaries. Sterling's confidence in his abilities and his track record suggest that he may well rise to the challenge, adding another chapter to his storied career. With his sights set on making an impact in the featherweight division, the MMA community will be watching closely to see if Sterling can replicate his bantamweight success at a higher weight class.
As Sterling embarks on this new journey, the debate continues as to whether this will prove to be a strategic masterstroke or a miscalculated risk. Regardless of the outcome, Sterling's bold move ensures that he remains one of the most talked-about figures in the sport, with fans eagerly awaiting his featherweight debut against Holloway. In the world of mixed martial arts, where fortunes can change with a single fight, Aljamain Sterling's gamble could either reignite his career or serve as a cautionary tale for others contemplating weight class changes.