A New Challenge: Aljamain Sterling Shifts to Featherweight Division
In a significant career move, former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has announced his decision to transition to the featherweight division. This revelation came during an appearance on the Mighty Podcast hosted by MMA legend Demetrious Johnson, sparking widespread discussion among fans and analysts alike.
Weighty Decisions
Sterling, who has experienced considerable fluctuations in weight outside of competition—reaching as high as 180 pounds—currently maintains a healthier weight range of around 170-171 pounds. His comfort at this weight, combined with a rigorous assessment of his physical metrics, has played a pivotal role in his decision to move up a weight class. Sterling disclosed that he is "26.7 percent over the weight class limit" when compared to fellow bantamweights, yet he has consistently managed to make the required weight for his fights.
"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 management challenges. He added, "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."
Despite his successful track record at bantamweight, which included a nine-fight winning streak and three title defenses, Sterling suffered a setback when he lost the title to Sean O'Malley at UFC 292. This loss has seemingly acted as a catalyst for Sterling to reassess his position and seek new opportunities at featherweight.
Looking Ahead to Featherweight Contenders
Sterling has set his sights on top competitors within the featherweight ranks, expressing a desire to face renowned fighters such as Alexander Volkanovski. Moreover, he is planning an ambitious debut against Max Holloway, with the belief that a victory could immediately propel him into contender status for the featherweight championship.
However, not everyone is convinced that this weight class change is the best move for Sterling. Daniel Cormier, former two-division UFC champion and respected commentator, has openly expressed his opinion that Sterling should remain at 135 pounds. Cormier suggests that fighters often switch weight classes in response to challenges or lack of success, though this does not seem to be the primary motivation behind Sterling's decision. "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 argued.
Sterling, standing at 5'7", will indeed be one of the smaller athletes in the featherweight division, but he is no stranger to competing at a higher weight class. His early career saw him secure a TKO victory at featherweight during Cage Fury FC 10 in 2011, suggesting that he is capable of adapting to different competitive environments.
"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," said Sterling, defending his history of weight management and his ability to perform under physically demanding circumstances.
The Road to UFC 300
With his eyes on the future, Sterling hinted at a potential return to the octagon at a milestone event, UFC 300, or possibly earlier in March. "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," he stated, setting the stage for what could be a highly anticipated comeback story.
As the MMA community watches closely, Aljamain Sterling's venture into the featherweight division will test his adaptability, resilience, and strategic prowess. Whether this bold move will result in a second championship reign or serve as a learning experience in a storied career remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that Sterling's journey will continue to captivate and inspire fight fans around the world.