Aljamain Sterling opens up about considering retirement after losing to Sean O’Malley: "Maybe I just coach"
Aljamain Sterling had a strong run at bantamweight, breaking the divisional record for most consecutive title defenses with three. His reign came to an end in his final bout in the weight class as he suffered a second-round TKO loss to Sean O'Malley at UFC 292. 'Funk Master' recently opened up on that loss, revealing that it led him to consider retirement.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani on his self-titled show, Sterling shared:
"I was like, maybe I coach. Maybe I just help the guys and help that way. I was just champ, but there was a lot from the mental aspect of being coerced into the fight. I know people are going to say, 'Oh, shut the f**k up, you signed the contract.' Before I signed the contract, there were multiple nos. I don't know how many times I've gotta keep repeating this. There were multiple nos."
Sterling noted that he wanted time off, adding:
"I was promised after the fight, whatever the results were, that I could my time to just unwind. That's really what it was. It was just all the stresses of getting injured, trying to battle back. I felt like I had no break as champ. I was constantly in a semi fight camp, which is a lot mentally and I don't think people understand the mental strain that it puts on you."
Check out Aljamain Sterling's comments on considering retirement below:
Sterling added that he has other things in his life that are important, unlike in his younger years. He noted that he needed a break to miss competing and that it has allowed him to return as a different person.
Aljamain Sterling advises Umar Nurmagomedov to earn his seat at the table
Aljamain Sterling recently exchanged words with Umar Nurmagomedov as the latter angles for a bout against Merab Dvalishvili. During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, 'Funk Master' advised the No.2-ranked bantamweight to build a legacy outside of the shadow of his cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov, stating:
"I'm not saying he's not good. I love Umar, I think Umar is a great buy, but facts are the facts. I don't care what your cousin has done. That does not have any bearing on what you have done for the sport. You gotta cut your teeth in this game, not riding the coattails of your family's merit."
Check out Aljamain Sterling's comments on Umar Nurmagomedov below:
Sterling added that the younger Nurmagomedov needs to earn his seat at the table. He did note, however, that he believes a bout between 'Young Eagle' and Dvalishvili would be competitive.