In the wake of his closely contested decision loss to undefeated featherweight contender Movsar Evloev at UFC 310, Aljamain Sterling is not letting the setback dampen his spirits. The ‘Funkmaster’ is already setting his sights on a swift return to action, targeting a bout as early as March 2024.
Sterling’s performance against Evloev, despite resulting in a loss, has seemingly reinvigorated his competitive drive. The fight, which took place less than two weeks ago at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, was a showcase of Sterling’s resilience and skill at the featherweight division. Many observers, including Sterling himself, believed the bout was close enough to have gone either way.
“I don’t think that loss to Movsar should push me down the rankings. I almost felt like it should be treated as a ‘W,'” Sterling stated in a recent interview with ‘Home of Fight.’ This sentiment, while potentially controversial, underscores Sterling’s confidence in his performance and his belief that he remains a top contender in the division.
The former bantamweight king is not looking to ease back into competition. Instead, he’s calling out two high-profile names in the featherweight division: Arnold Allen and Brian Ortega. Both fighters represent significant challenges and would offer Sterling an opportunity to immediately reassert himself in the title picture.
Aljamain Sterling calls for a fight with Arnold ‘Almighty’ Allen in March pic.twitter.com/IT6vx0GC3y
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) December 16, 2024
Arnold Allen, sporting an impressive record of 20-3 (11-2 in the UFC), has long been considered one of the division’s brightest prospects. A win over Allen would certainly bolster Sterling’s claim to another title shot. Similarly, Brian Ortega, with his 16-4 record (8-4 in the UFC) and previous title challenger status, presents an intriguing matchup that could propel Sterling back into the championship conversation.
Sterling’s eagerness to return to action is partly fueled by his current physical condition. “This is like the first time I’ve actually been the majority of the post-fight healthy, so I want to take advantage of that,” he explained. This statement is particularly noteworthy given Sterling’s history of injury-plagued training camp.
The quick turnaround Sterling is proposing – aiming for March or April at the latest – demonstrates his determination to maintain momentum in the featherweight division. It’s a strategy that could pay dividends, allowing him to capitalize on his current fitness and the buzz generated by his competitive showing against Evloev.
Sterling’s approach to his career at this juncture is both ambitious and pragmatic. He recognizes the importance of staying active in a division teeming with talent and understands that each fight is an opportunity to strengthen his position in the rankings. By calling out established names like Allen and Ortega, he’s making it clear that he’s not interested in taking a step back in competition level.
The coming weeks will be crucial as the UFC considers Sterling’s request and potential matchups. Fight fans will be eagerly watching to see if either Allen or Ortega accepts Sterling’s challenge, setting the stage for what would undoubtedly be an electrifying contest.
As the featherweight division continues to evolve and new contenders emerge, Sterling’s quick pivot from his loss to Evloev demonstrates the mindset of a true champion. His willingness to face top-tier competition without delay speaks volumes about his confidence and ambition.
Whether Sterling secures a bout with Allen, Ortega, or another top contender, his next fight will be a critical juncture in his career. A win could launch him right back into title contention, while another loss might necessitate a reevaluation of his place in the division.
One thing is certain: Aljamain Sterling is not content to rest on his laurels. As he prepares for his next challenge, the MMA world will be watching closely, eager to see if the ‘Funkmaster’ can dance his way back to the top of the featherweight rankings.
