A New Challenge: Sterling's Featherweight Aspirations
In a surprising twist to his career trajectory, former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has announced a move to the featherweight division. The revelation came during an appearance on the Mighty Podcast, hosted by none other than mixed martial arts (MMA) icon Demetrious Johnson. This decision marks a significant shift for Sterling, who has previously competed at much higher weights outside of the competitive arena.
Weighty Decisions
Sterling's relationship with weight has been a topic of discussion among fans and pundits alike. Known to balloon up to 180 pounds when not in competition, Sterling currently maintains a healthier weight of around 170-171 pounds. This weight, he asserts, is where he feels most comfortable and fit, sporting a physique that still showcases his athletic build. "I feel good fight where I'm at right now," Sterling remarked, emphasizing his readiness to compete at his current weight. Despite this, the path to the bantamweight limit of 135 pounds has always been a grueling one for Sterling, who admits to being baffled at his own ability to consistently make the cut.
Indeed, Sterling's dedication to making weight is underscored by his own admission that he stands 26.7 percent over the weight class limit when compared to his bantamweight peers—a testament to his discipline and commitment. "I've done 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 stated, addressing any concerns about his ability to compete effectively at a lower weight class.
Looking Ahead to Featherweight Contenders
Despite his previous success at bantamweight, which included a nine-fight winning streak and three title defenses, Sterling's last outing saw him relinquish the title to Sean O'Malley at UFC 292. Unfazed, Sterling is already setting his sights on the top dogs of the featherweight division, expressing a desire to square off against elite competitors like Alexander Volkanovski. But first, Sterling plans to make his featherweight debut against Max Holloway, a former champion and one of the division's most revered fighters. A victory over Holloway would not only cement Sterling's place in the featherweight ranks but also position him as a serious contender.
Opinions Divided
The move, however, has drawn mixed reactions from the MMA community. Daniel Cormier, former two-division UFC champion and respected analyst, has openly voiced his belief that Sterling should remain at 135 pounds. Cormier argues that athletes often switch weight classes in search of new challenges or after struggling to find success in their current division. In Sterling's case, Cormier believes that despite the challenges of making weight, his chances of regaining a title are stronger at bantamweight, where he has proven himself to be a formidable force.
Cormier further elaborates on Sterling's physical attributes, pointing out that at 5'7", Sterling would be considered one of the smaller competitors within the featherweight landscape. "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 explained, highlighting the difficulties Sterling may face in a division filled with larger adversaries.
Historical Precedent
It's worth noting that Sterling's venture into featherweight territory isn't entirely uncharted waters for the fighter. Early in his career, at Cage Fury FC 10 in 2011, Sterling fought at featherweight and secured a TKO victory. Despite the long interval since that fight, Sterling draws confidence from his past experience and his consistent track record of competing—and winning—at high levels across different sports, from wrestling to 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," Sterling reflected, suggesting that his competitive spirit and adaptability will serve him well in his new division.
As Sterling contemplates potential matchups, he hints at a possible return at a milestone event. "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, teasing fans with the prospect of his featherweight debut being part of a major UFC showcase.
Whether Sterling's gamble pays off