A New Challenge: Aljamain Sterling Shifts to Featherweight Division
Former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling is charting a new course in his mixed martial arts career by moving up to the featherweight division. This significant transition was revealed on the Mighty Podcast, hosted by MMA legend Demetrious Johnson, where Sterling discussed his future aspirations and current physical condition.
Sterling, who has previously tipped the scales at 180 pounds during his off-season, currently maintains a healthier weight of around 170-171 pounds. His comfort at this weight suggests readiness for the demands of the featherweight class.
The shift in weight class follows a setback in his illustrious career, as Sterling lost the bantamweight title to Sean O'Malley at UFC 292. Prior to this defeat, Sterling enjoyed a nine-fight winning streak, including three defenses of his title. Despite this recent loss, Sterling's move to featherweight is not a retreat but a strategic pivot, aiming to revitalize his career against top contenders in the new division.
Weighty Decisions
In an era where fighters meticulously manage their weight to gain competitive edges, Sterling’s decision to move up in weight class is noteworthy. He explained that he is 26.7 percent heavier than the limit for bantamweights—a testament to the extreme measures athletes often take to compete. Despite the challenges, Sterling has consistently made weight, underscoring his discipline and commitment to competing at the highest level.
"I've been 180, a little heavier than 180. It's not a good, healthy 180, but I could get up there," Sterling admitted, shedding light on the grueling process fighters undergo. "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 the hardships associated with making weight, Sterling remains resolute, "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 said.
Prospects and Opinions
As Sterling sets his sights on the featherweight division, he expresses interest in facing top-tier fighters like Alexander Volkanovski. However, his debut is planned against another formidable opponent, Max Holloway. A victory over Holloway would undoubtedly establish Sterling as a significant contender within the featherweight ranks.
Yet, not everyone agrees with Sterling's decision to move up in weight. Daniel Cormier, former two-division UFC champion and respected commentator, believes Sterling should remain at 135 pounds. Cormier argues that fighters typically change weight classes when they encounter obstacles or fail to find success, implying that Sterling's talents are best suited for the bantamweight division.
"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 potential timelines for his featherweight debut.
Cormier, analyzing Sterling's stature and past performance, suggested, "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."
Despite standing at 5'7", which would make him one of the smaller competitors in the featherweight division, Sterling is no stranger to the weight class. He fought at featherweight once before, securing a TKO victory at Cage Fury FC 10 in 2011. This previous success provides a glimpse into what Sterling could potentially achieve in his new division.
"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 career thus far. Yet, it seems the allure of new challenges and the pursuit of further glory have inspired him to adapt and evolve, embracing the unknown as he steps into the featherweight fray.
With the MMA community abuzz with speculation, fans eagerly await Sterling's featherweight debut, anticipating how the dynamics of his power and technique will translate against larger opponents. As Sterling embarks on this bold new venture, the question remains: Will the gamble pay off