Aljamain Sterling Sets Sights on Featherweight Division

Aljamain Sterling's Featherweight Aspirations

In an unexpected turn of events, former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has announced his intention to move up a weight class and compete in the featherweight division. The revelation came during his appearance on the Mighty Podcast, hosted by none other than mixed martial arts icon Demetrious Johnson.

Sterling, who has previously competed at weights as high as 180 pounds outside of his professional fights, currently maintains a healthy weight around the 170-pound mark. He expresses confidence in his current physical condition, noting a visible definition in his physique. "I feel good fight 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," Sterling remarked, reflecting on his well-maintained form.

The decision to change divisions follows a recent setback in Sterling's career, where he lost the bantamweight title to Sean O'Malley at UFC 292. Prior to this loss, Sterling was riding high on a nine-fight winning streak, successfully defending his title three times. Despite this minor stumble, he remains determined to climb back to the top, setting his sights on the elite fighters of the featherweight class, including the likes of Alexander Volkanovski.

For his debut in the new division, Sterling is targeting a bout with renowned fighter Max Holloway. A victory over Holloway would not only be a significant achievement but could also catapult Sterling into immediate title contention within the featherweight ranks.

However, not everyone is convinced that this weight class transition is in Sterling's best interest. Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier has expressed concerns, suggesting that Sterling should remain in the bantamweight division. Cormier posits that fighters often switch weight classes when they encounter obstacles or struggle to find success, though he acknowledges Sterling's past achievements at 135 pounds.

"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 mused about the potential timing for his featherweight debut.

Standing at 5'7", Sterling would indeed be among the shorter competitors in the featherweight category. Yet, he is no stranger to overcoming such challenges. His previous stint at featherweight, albeit early in his career, resulted in a TKO victory at Cage Fury FC 10 back in 2011. This history of success bolsters his confidence in facing larger opponents within the division.

His determination is further fueled by the results of his testing, which indicated that he is 26.7 percent over the weight class limit in comparison with other bantamweights. Despite this statistic, Sterling has consistently made the required weight for his fights. "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," he asserted, showcasing his commitment to meeting the rigorous demands of the sport.

Sterling's approach to competition is deeply rooted in his wrestling background, from his high school days through to college and now professional MMA. "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," he explained, emphasizing his philosophy of sticking with what has worked for him in the past.

Cormier, while supportive, still holds reservations about the move. "Those guys are big. He's a bit of a tweener... is too big. 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 opined, suggesting that Sterling's optimal performance might still be at the lighter weight class.

As the MMA community awaits Sterling's next move, the anticipation builds for what could be a defining moment in his career. Whether his venture into the featherweight division will write a new chapter of triumph or serve as a learning experience remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Aljamain Sterling's fighting spirit is unwavering, and he is ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead in his relentless pursuit of greatness.