Former UFC bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling, was successful in his featherweight debut this past Saturday at UFC 300, beating Calvin Kattar.
Calvin Kattar was coming back after an extended amount of time on the sidelines after he tore his ACL against Arnold Allen back in October 2022. The Massachussen is now 1-4 in his last four fights, after suffering his third loss in a row.
Aljamain Sterling on the other hand finally made his move up to 145lbs after losing his bantamweight title to Sean O’Malley back at UFC 292 in August.
Aljamain Sterling has options at featherweight
Coming into the fight, the 34-year-old had the chance to add himself to the featherweight title conversation, with an impressive win likely putting him in contention.
Despite that, he went on to win a three-round decision, which didn’t entirely impress the masses.
Champion, Ilia Topuria, is likely going to defend his title against Max Holloway next, after ‘Blessed’ scored one of the greatest knockouts of all time against Justin Gaethje this past Saturday.
With the featherweight division heating up toward the top, ‘Funkmaster’ has several options for his next fight, and will likely need one or two more wins before he is given a title shot.
Undefeated Russian, Movsar Evloev, currently occupies rank five in the division, and following Sterling’s win on Saturday, Evloev sent a message to the 34-year-old. “Never tell me I’m in a boring fight again. Welcome to 145lbs @FunkmasterMMA.”
The Russian is referring to the fact that following his win against Arnold Allen at UFC 297, Dana White labeled the fight as one of the most ‘boring’ he’s ever seen.
Sterling calls for a fight against Brian Ortega next
Despite Evloev’s comment, Sterling has a different plan in mind. ‘Funkmaster’ is eyeing a fight with Brian Ortega next, with ‘T-City’ occupying rank three in the division.
“Give me the next best guy.” Sterling said at the UFC 300 post-fight press conference. “I’ll take Brian Ortega respectfully. I got to train with him one time, (we have the) same management obviously, there’s no bad blood or anything like that, it’s just we’re both trying to chase the same thing.
“I beat a guy like him I think I’m undeniable.” Sterling said.
Brian Ortega returned to the win column in his last outing, securing a third-round submission win over Yair Rodriguez, in what was a rematch of their first fight that ended unceremoniously after Ortega suffered a shoulder injury.
Ortega has since responded to Sterling’s respectful callout, saying on X: “I’m aware of the call-outs and options. It’s time for my manager to do his thing.”