As a fighter’s career evolves and as the years move forward, the division that gave them a chance at becoming world champion often isn’t the right fit anymore. Such is the case for the former bantamweight champ Aljamain Sterling, who is done with that division.
“Safe to say (I’m done at bantamweight),” Sterling let MMA Junkie know during their interview. “One of my managers was asking about that, about going down to 135, and I said, ‘Brother, let’s stop this conversation right here.”
You know it’s serious when Aljamain Sterling turns down any talk of staying at the weight that crowned him as champion with his management team. There might be naysayers with his move up to featherweight, but Sterling is mentally prepared for that.
“There’s no more 135. I didn’t even want to do it the last time. Whatever, I’m not going to bring it up again because people are going to say I’m making excuses, but this is all factual, but 135 is done.”
Aljamain Sterling Excited About Featherweight
It is great to see that the excitement is still there with a switch of divisions. What a time to make a debut in a different division, at one of the biggest pay-per-views with it being at UFC 300.
“I’m excited to get back,” Sterling told MMA Junkie. “I think that’s the most important thing. I want the fans to know I’m excited to get back, and I’m going to have new life, new energy at this weight class.”
The size difference between division might be noticeable for Aljamain, but who knows how much the weight cut affected him to make bantamweight.
“I’m definitely nervous because I’m used to being the bigger guy even though I don’t get that big when I rehydrate at 135, but I think I left some stuff in the gym cutting down to 135, so I’d like to see what I can do at 145, and I’m going to shock the world.”
Calvin Kattar welcomes Sterling to the Division
A tough test awaits the former champ with making a debut in new division against Calvin Kattar.
Kattar is coming back from a torn ACL, and you know he is ready to show that he is still a top contender and won’t be a stepping stone for any newcomer to his weight class – not even for a former champ.
Are you excited to see the switch, and do you feel it is the right move for the former bantamweight champ Aljamain Sterling at this point in his career?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
