Aljamain Sterling Announces Move to Featherweight Division
In a significant shift within the UFC's dynamic roster, former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has announced his intention to move up a weight class. The news broke during an episode of the Mighty Podcast hosted by MMA legend Demetrious Johnson, where Sterling detailed his plans for transitioning into the featherweight division.
Sterling's Physical Transformation
Known for his rigorous discipline and commitment to the sport, Sterling revealed that he has previously reached weights as high as 180 pounds when not actively competing. However, the fighter currently maintains a healthier physique at around 170-171 pounds, a weight at which he feels strong and prepared for the challenges ahead.
"I've been 180, a little heavier than 180. It's not a good, healthy 180, but I could get up there," Sterling admitted, reflecting on his past weight fluctuations. "I feel good fighting 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," he added, expressing disbelief at his previous weight cuts.
Reflections on Bantamweight Tenure
Sterling's decision comes in the wake of losing his bantamweight title to Sean O'Malley at UFC 292, ending a remarkable nine-fight winning streak that included three title defenses. Despite this setback, Sterling has demonstrated resilience and a forward-looking mindset. He shared that his body composition testing indicated he is 26.7 percent over the weight class limit compared to other bantamweights, yet he has consistently managed to make 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," Sterling stated confidently. "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 continued, acknowledging the difficulty but underscoring his determination.
Upcoming Featherweight Endeavors
Looking ahead, Sterling has set his sights on top contenders in the featherweight division, including the likes of Alexander Volkanovski. However, his immediate focus is on a debut match against Max Holloway, a fight that could position him as a significant contender should he secure a victory.
"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 hinted at potential timelines for his featherweight debut.
Industry Opinions on Sterling's Weight Class Change
The reaction to Sterling's announcement has been met with mixed opinions. Daniel Cormier, a former two-division champion and respected analyst, expressed his belief that Sterling should remain at 135 pounds. Cormier's perspective is rooted in the notion that athletes often switch weight classes in search of new opportunities or due to challenges in their current division.
"I think he should stay at 135," Cormier commented. "Those guys are big. He's a bit of a tweener... 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," he elaborated, suggesting that Sterling's physical attributes might serve him better in the bantamweight class.
Sterling's Previous Featherweight Experience
It's noteworthy that this isn't Sterling's first foray into the featherweight category. Early in his career, he fought at featherweight once, securing a TKO victory at Cage Fury FC 10 in 2011. Standing at 5'7", Sterling will be one of the smaller fighters in the UFC featherweight division, but he remains undeterred.
"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," Sterling reflected on his fighting journey and philosophy.
As the MMA community anticipates Sterling's next steps, his transition to featherweight promises to add another layer of intrigue to the already competitive division. Whether this move will lead to renewed success