Aljamain Sterling Announces Move to Featherweight Division
In a surprising turn of events, former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has declared his intention to move up a weight class. The announcement came during an episode of the Mighty Podcast hosted by Demetrious Johnson, where Sterling laid out his plans for the future.
Weight Management and Health
Sterling's decision comes after a storied run at 135 pounds, which saw him reach as high as 180 pounds outside of competition—a weight he admits was not his healthiest. "I've been 180, a little heavier than 180. It's not a good, healthy 180, but I could get up there," Sterling confessed. Despite this, he maintains that his current walk-around weight of approximately 170-171 pounds is a 'good, healthy weight' for him, noting the presence of abs as a sign of his fitness. His ability to make the bantamweight limit, despite being 26.7 percent over the weight class limit compared to other fighters in the division, has been a testament to his discipline and dedication.
Looking Forward to Featherweight Challenges
The change in division is not without its strategic advantages. Sterling expressed a keen interest in facing top featherweight contenders, including the likes of Alexander Volkanovski. However, it is Max Holloway whom Sterling is eyeing for his featherweight debut. A victory over Holloway would undoubtedly establish Sterling as a formidable contender within the new division.
Despite his ambitions, some voices within the MMA community have reservations about this move. Notably, Daniel Cormier, former two-division UFC champion, has voiced his opinion that Sterling should remain at bantamweight. Cormier suggests that fighters often switch weight classes when they encounter obstacles or struggle to find success, although this doesn't seem to align with Sterling's recent performances.
Sterling's Bantamweight Legacy
Sterling leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the bantamweight division. Before relinquishing the title to Sean O'Malley at UFC 292, Sterling had amassed a nine-fight winning streak, which included three defenses of his championship belt. This track record solidifies his status as one of the elite competitors in the division's history.
At 5'7", Sterling will be among the smaller athletes in the featherweight category, a fact that does not escape Cormier's analysis. He points out that Sterling may find himself between optimal sizes for the two divisions, suggesting that the fighter’s chances of working his way back to a title shot might be more favorable at bantamweight.
Sterling's History at Featherweight
This will not be Sterling's first foray into the featherweight division. He has fought at this weight class before, securing a TKO victory at Cage Fury FC 10 back in 2011. His experience across weight classes and his consistent high-level performance lend credence to his confidence in making the transition.
"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. If it ain't broke don't fix it," said Sterling, reflecting on his career and the changes ahead.
What’s Next for Sterling?
While no official date has been set for Sterling's featherweight debut, he has hinted at potential timelines. "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, alluding to a possible matchup with Holloway.
As the MMA world digests this significant development, all eyes will be on Sterling to see if his gamble pays off. Will the former bantamweight champion find renewed success in the featherweight division? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Aljamain Sterling remains a fighter to watch, regardless of the weight class in which he competes.