"STFU already about it?" - Aljamain Sterling accuses fans of "twisting the narrative" as Merab Dvalishvili gets blasted for Umar Nurmagomedov comment
Aljamain Sterling is warding off fans on X who have aimed criticism at both him and Merab Dvalishvili. 'The Machine' is set to defend his bantamweight title against Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311, and the narrative surrounding it has led to numerous comments that Sterling has now hit back at.
One fan took to social media to claim that he finds Sterling and Dvalishvili equally unlikable, with his dislike for the Georgian star beginning only in recent memory. This drew a response from Sterling, who was more than combative with the fan in question:
"2 things. Respectfully, you're a pr*ck. And Merab said he was getting a GIFT in regards to Umar having ONE ranked fighter to beat, while he had to beat MANY. You folks love twisting the narrative. Regardless, they're fighting so can yall just STFU already about it? Respectfully"
In his tweet, Sterling noted that Nurmagomedov has only one ranked win in the division. That came against Cory Sandhagen, with 'The Young Eagle' defeating the former interim title challenger in Abu Dhabi this past August.
Unfortunately, talk of undeserved title shots is nothing new for the Dagestani camp. Islam Makhachev was similarly accused of having a relatively easy route to the title before his lightweight championship ascension.
UFC 311 will prove to be an occasion of great importance, with Dvalishvili eager to prove that Nurmagomedov does not belong at the top, while the challenger will look to bring AKA another belt.
Aljamain Sterling fought in the pay-per-view prior to UFC 311
UFC 311 will open the promotion's pay-per-view calendar in 2025, featuring Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan for the lightweight title as the headliner and Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov for the bantamweight title in the co-main event.
Aljamain Sterling, meanwhile, actually fought on at the previous pay-per-view event.
At UFC 310, he faced Movsar Evloev in what turned out to be a thrilling grappling match. Both men had moments in an extremely competitive bout that ended with an Evloev unanimous decision win, dashing Sterling's plans for a featherweight title shot.