Aljamain Sterling's New Challenge: Featherweight Division
In a surprising turn of events, former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has announced his decision to move up to the featherweight division. This significant career shift was revealed on the Mighty Podcast, hosted by none other than mixed martial arts (MMA) icon Demetrious Johnson.
Sterling, who has previously competed at weights as high as 180 pounds outside of his fighting career, currently maintains a healthy weight of around 170-171 pounds. Despite this being significantly heavier than the bantamweight limit, Sterling has managed to keep himself in peak physical condition, complete with a visible six-pack, highlighting his dedication to fitness and health.
The former champion's tenure at bantamweight was marked by a nine-fight winning streak, including three successful title defenses. However, his reign came to an end at UFC 292, where he faced defeat at the hands of Sean O'Malley, surrendering his bantamweight title. Sterling’s performance in the bantamweight division had been impressive, with his weight-cutting efforts leading him to be 26.7 percent over the weight class limit compared to his peers—a testament to his commitment and discipline in making the required weight for competitions.
Aiming for Featherweight Success
Looking ahead, Sterling has set his sights on top contenders within the featherweight ranks, expressing a keen interest in taking on formidable athletes like Alexander Volkanovski. For his debut in the new weight class, Sterling is planning an ambitious matchup against Max Holloway. A victory over Holloway, a respected and seasoned fighter within the division, could catapult Sterling into immediate title contention.
However, not everyone is convinced that this weight class transition is the right move for Sterling. Daniel Cormier, former two-division UFC champion and respected commentator, has voiced his opinion that Sterling should remain at 135 pounds. Cormier suggests that fighters often switch weight classes when they encounter challenges or struggle to find success, implying that Sterling’s recent loss might be influencing his decision to move up.
Cormier also points out that at 5'7", Sterling would be one of the smaller competitors in the featherweight division. He believes that Sterling's chances of regaining a title would be better served at bantamweight, where he has already proven himself to be a formidable opponent. The size and strength of featherweight competitors could pose new challenges for Sterling, who would no longer enjoy the same physical advantages he once had at bantamweight.
Sterling's History at Featherweight
This is not the first time Sterling has fought at featherweight. Early in his career, at Cage Fury FC 10 in 2011, he secured a win by TKO in the division. This past success, albeit a decade ago, may provide some confidence as he reenters the featherweight scene. Sterling himself remains unfazed by the skepticism, drawing from his extensive experience in combat sports, from wrestling through college to his current MMA career. His philosophy has always been "if it ain't broke don't fix it," suggesting that he believes his approach to competing will continue to serve him well despite the change in weight class.
As Sterling contemplates his future matchups, he hints at a potential return at a milestone event such as UFC 300, or perhaps even earlier in March. With his track record, any card featuring Sterling is bound to draw attention, but his featherweight debut will undoubtedly be under intense scrutiny as fans and analysts alike gauge whether his gamble pays off.
In conclusion, Aljamain Sterling's move to the featherweight division marks a new chapter in his career. While there are concerns about his size and the quality of competition at 145 pounds, Sterling's confidence in his abilities and his past achievements suggest that he could yet again become a force to be reckoned with. As the MMA community watches on, Sterling’s journey at featherweight promises to be one of the most intriguing narratives in the sport's recent history.