Aljamain Sterling's New Challenge: The Featherweight Division
In a surprising turn of events, former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has announced his move to the featherweight division. This revelation came during his appearance on the Mighty Podcast, hosted by none other than mixed martial arts (MMA) legend Demetrious Johnson. Sterling, who has previously competed at a walking weight much heavier than his competition class, is making a significant shift in his career trajectory.
The Weight of the Decision
Sterling's decision to change weight classes is not taken lightly. Known for his rigorous discipline, he has managed to maintain a competitive edge even at his walk-around weight of 170-171 pounds, which he asserts is a "good, healthy weight" for him. Despite the physical demands of cutting down to 135 pounds for the bantamweight limit—a process that sees him shedding approximately 26.7 percent of his body weight—Sterling has consistently met the challenge. His dedication to making weight and competing at the highest level is evident from his past performance and nine-fight winning streak, which included three title defenses before his loss to Sean O'Malley at UFC 292.
Eyeing Featherweight Gold
Looking ahead, Sterling is not just stepping into the featherweight division; he is aiming straight for the top. With ambitions to face renowned contenders like Alexander Volkanovski, Sterling is setting his sights high. However, it is Max Holloway who Sterling plans to meet in his featherweight debut. A victory over Holloway, a respected figure in the division, could catapult Sterling into immediate contention for the featherweight crown.
Expert Opinions
Not everyone agrees with Sterling's decision to move up a weight class. Daniel Cormier, former two-division UFC champion and respected commentator, has voiced his concerns. Cormier suggests that athletes typically switch divisions either when they encounter insurmountable challenges or when success eludes them in their current class. He believes that Sterling's optimal chance of regaining a title lies within the bantamweight division, where his record and skill set have already proven formidable.
Cormier also notes Sterling's stature, standing at 5'7", which would make him one of the smaller competitors in the featherweight category. This size discrepancy could pose new challenges for Sterling, who would be facing opponents with potentially greater reach and weight during fights.
A Look Back to Move Forward
This is not Sterling's first foray into the featherweight class. He has fought at this weight once before, securing a TKO victory at Cage Fury FC 10 back in 2011. While this experience was positive, the landscape of the UFC's featherweight division has evolved significantly since then, presenting new hurdles for Sterling to overcome.
Despite the concerns and the physical demands of changing divisions, Sterling remains steadfast in his decision. Reflecting on his career, he acknowledges that he has always pushed himself to compete at the highest levels, regardless of the weight class. In his own words, "if it ain't broke don't fix it," suggesting that his ability to succeed in the past fuels his confidence for this new chapter.
Timing the Transition
As for when fans can expect to see Sterling step into the octagon as a featherweight, he hinted at a potential blockbuster event. UFC 300 looms on the horizon as a possibility, or perhaps an earlier return in March. Whenever the date may be, Sterling's transition will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched developments in MMA.
The path ahead for Aljamain Sterling is fraught with uncertainties and new challenges as he embarks on his featherweight journey. But with his track record of resilience and adaptability, the MMA community will be watching with great anticipation to see if Sterling can rise to the occasion and redefine his legacy within the UFC.