5 opponents for Aljamain Sterling after UFC 273 win
UFC 273 was a night of redemption for Aljamain Sterling. The reigning UFC bantamweight champion returned to the octagon following a year-long layoff due to a neck injury. He fought interim bantamweight champion Petr Yan in the co-main event and was able to unify the titles.
The bout was a rematch of their 2021 matchup, during which ‘Funk Master’ became the new champion via disqualification. For the past year, Yan has been looking to rectify the loss and prove that he is the true champion. However, the current champion wanted to silence the doubters who felt his reign was undeserving because of what transpired.
‘Funk Master’ stuck to his strengths and forced ‘No Mercy’ to fight off his back. He looked great and earned the split-decision win after the judges scored the bout 48-47, 48-47, and 47-48. This list will look at five opponents for Aljamain Sterling after his UFC 273 win.
#5. Former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz
Since his loss to former UFC bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo, Dominick Cruz has experienced a career resurgence. The former two-time bantamweight champion has won back-to-back fights against Casey Kenney and Pedro Munhoz.
‘The Dominator’ has shown that he still has plenty of fight left and wants to make another run at the title. He’s currently the No.7-ranked bantamweight and could be a realistic matchup for the champion if he continues winning. In fact, he can get back into the title picture depending on who he fights next.
Cruz would make for an exciting matchup against Sterling since his movements could make it difficult for ‘Funk Master’ to take him down and control him on the ground. ‘The Dominator’ pivots and switches stances very well, so he rarely stands still. He has excellent takedown defense, so Sterling will have to be confident with his striking.