Aljamain Sterling sets his sights on Diego Lopes and Brian Ortega following for his post-UFC 300 comeback: "It's the name value"
Despite withdrawing from his fight with Movsar Evloev at UFC 308, Aljamain Sterling is targeting a quick return to potentially still get another fight in before the end of 2024. However, due to the timing, the former bantamweight champion recognizes his window to fight Evloev may be closing and has his eyes set on two other names in the featherweight division.
In an interview with Dave 'The Schmo' Schmulenson, Sterling singled out Diego Lopes and Brian Ortega as fights he would like to have if his next opponent is not Evloev. 'The Funk Master' said he is eyeing opponents with the most "name value" to get him closer to a featherweight title fight.
Sterling said:
"Maybe [I'll fight] Diego Lopes... But, if you're giving me the option, I always wanted Brian Ortega so I can get the closest spot to the top [but] now that next closest guy is Diego Lopes. That's all it is, it has nothing to do with what this guy did, it's the name value, what it gets me [and] risk versus reward."
Check out Aljamain Sterling's comments below:
In each of his answers on his next fight, Sterling continued to keep Evloev at the front of his mind but noted that the Russian may not want to wait for his return. Following the news of Sterling's injury, Evloev publicly requested the UFC find him a short-notice opponent to remain a part of UFC 308.
View the full interview from The Schmo on YouTube below:
Aljamain Sterling's win at UFC 300
After nearly 10 hard-fought years in the UFC bantamweight division, Aljamain Sterling moved up to featherweight in his most recent bout at UFC 300 and debuted with a win over Calvin Kattar. While not the most exciting fight, Sterling was dominant from beginning to end and controlled the veteran for nearly the entire 15 minutes.
The win made him an immediate contender in the featherweight division, taking Kattar's previous spot at No. 8. However, he has since dropped down to No. 9 with Diego Lopes shooting up the ranks following his win over Brian Ortega.
As a former champion, Sterling figures to have the inside track on a featherweight title fight but due to the crowded nature of the division, is still likely a few fights away.