Aljamain Sterling was left “sad” with his UFC 300 performance after wanting to make a statement on the division.
The former Bantamweight champion faced off against #8 ranked Featherweight Calvin Kattar in his Featherweight debut this weekend at UFC 300. Sterling dominantly out-grappled Kattar to a unanimous decision victory. Although Sterling got his hand raised he was unimpressed with his performance and left “sad” with the outcome.
He told MMA Junkie at the UFC 300 post-fight press conference: “I was a little sad about it. I was like, ‘Man, if I can’t do certain things to him, then how the hell am I going to do things to a guy like [Ilia Topuria]?”
“You know if I want to challenge for a world title again. That’s the way I kind of look at things.”
Initially keen on making a statement and earning an immediate title shot “Funkmaster” admits his victory was not enough to justify a Featherweight title shot.
“This performance I got a little down on myself because if I want to beat a guy like Ilia, I need to be able to finish a guy like Kattar.”
Aljamain Sterling Calls Out Brian Ortega
After losing his title to “Suga” Sean O’Malley back in August Sterling sought out success up a weight at 145lbs. A brutal 30lb weight cut combined with the recent Bantamweight success of team-mate Merab Dvalishvili further reinforced the decision.
Aljamain admitted in the past that out of training he can weigh 180lbs a whole 45lbs greater than the Bantamweight limit. The decision to step up to Featherweight seemed advisable and the difference was noticeable.
At the weigh-ins “Funkmaster” arrived visibly much thicker and healthier having less weight to cut. At the UFC 300 pre-fight press conference he said:
“I have a lot more energy, I can talk to people, I’m not as irritable”.
Does it Make Sense?
Now in the win column at Featherweight Aljamain has called for his next opponent. Speaking to MMA Junkie he said that he would like to fight #3 Brian “T-City” Ortega next.
“Give me the next best guy. I’ll take Brian Ortega respectfully. He’s a guy I got to train with one time, same management, there’s no bad blood or anything like that. We’re both just trying to chase the same thing. It’s not like he’s my main training partner like Merab was. It’s a different situation.
“I think I beat a guy like him, and I’m undeniable.”
Considering Brian Ortega’s impressive submission victory over Yair Rodriguez at UFC Mexico City in February beating a man of Ortega’s prowess could certainly justify a title shot.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
