"Might come off as a little funny"- Aljamain Sterling sets sights on two featherweight stars, teases idea of potential return at UFC London
Aljamain Sterling suffered his first featherweight defeat when he came up against Movsar Evloev at UFC 310 on Dec. 7. But Sterling has maintained his No.9 rankings, while Evloev gained one place and now occupies No.4. With 'Funk Master' having walked away from the fight without any significant injuries, he has begun thinking about a potential return date, and opponent.
The former bantamweight champion named Brian Ortega and Arnold Allen as potential suitors for his next fight. Both fighters are ranked above Sterling, which may be a detractor for either Ortega or Allen, who are both eager to climb the featherweight rankings.
The New York native was recently interviewed by Home of Fight, where he outlined his fighting plans for 2025 and said this:
"I would like to make a March return. If I do get a fight for March, April the latest, I would like to fight Arnold Allen or fight Brian Ortega. I don't feel like that loss to Movsar should push me down the rankings. If anything I almost feel like it should be treated as a [win]. It's weird to say like that because it might come off as a little funny to hear me say that... I shouldn't have to go fighting down the rankings."
He continued:
"I think a March return would be nice. I want to stay busy, especially while I can. This is the first time I've actually been the majority of the post-fight healthy. I want to take advantage of that... I'd be more than willing to play spoiler, and I like the UK fans."
Check out Aljamain Sterling's comments below (6:55):
Aljamain Sterling eyes rematch with Movsar Evloev for potentially vacant featherweight title
With Ilia Topuria teasing that he may be vacating the featherweight title in order to move to lightweight, Aljamain Sterling has shared his interest in facing Movsar Evloev for the 145-pound belt.
Sterling's clash with the Russian fighter was a competitive affair, with Evloev successfully maintaining his undefeated record after securing a decision victory at UFC 310. But 'Funk Master' is adamant that the result could have gone his way and wants a second bout with the No.4-ranked contender to settle the score.
Following news of Topuria's potential title vacation, the New York native took to X and wrote this:
"Based on the landscape of the division, it should be a rematch between me and Movsar for the belt."
Check out Aljamain Sterling's post below: