"Until these guys decide to pay, they will get slayed" - Aljamain Sterling calls out UFC sponsors Monster Energy at UFC 280 media day
Aljamain Sterling is the latest UFC fighter to take aim at one of the promotion's biggest sponsors, Monster Energy. The energy drink company has been a partner of the UFC since 2015, but fighters have voiced their grievances with it over the last few years.
Dominick Cruz famously called out Hans Molenkamp last year in his UFC 259 post-fight press conference. Molenkamp is a business development representative for Monster Energy and works with various MMA promotions. 'The Dominator' claimed that he was extorted by Molenkamp in order to receive pay from Monster Energy.
Israel Adesanya is also known for his dislike of the energy drink company. There are multiple videos online of 'The Last Stylebender' removing cans of the energy drink from his table at UFC press conferences.
Now, it's the current bantamweight champion who has hinted at not being paid by the sponsor when he said the following at the UFC 280 media day:
"Until these guys decide to pay, they will get slayed."
Watch the video below:
Aljamain Sterling may be the current king of the 135lbs mountain, but he says he hasn't received any benefits from Monster Energy. If a UFC champion is not getting paid by one of the the promotion's main sponsors, it makes one wonder who exactly is getting paid.
Aljamain Sterling is ready to show TJ Dillashaw "what D3 wrestling is about"
Aljamain Sterling is set to face TJ Dillashaw in the co-main event of UFC 280 this weekend. 'Funk Master' will be looking to make the second title defense of his reign and is confident that he will be able to dominate Dillashaw.
Much of Sterling's game revolves around his grappling skills and his ability to control his opponents.
However, the former champion has been quick to highlight that on paper, he is a better wrestler than 'Funk Master'. Dillashaw was a Division 1 wrestler in college, whereas Sterling was a Division 3 wrestler.
That said, Aljamain Sterling recently told Sky Sports that he is excited about the chance to test his wrestling against Dillashaw:
"He's a great wrestler. He makes fun of my D3 wrestling, he downplays it. And I can't wait to go out there and show what D3 wrestling is about. 'Cause it's not like he was a national champion or anything. So I like to think this is gonna be a super-close, competitive fight."
Watch the video below:
“I think I’ll finish him in one!” 😮
@funkmasterMMA has made his prediction for his bout with T.J. Dillashaw at #UFC280! 👀
Watch the full interview with Aljamain Sterling here: youtu.be/pSi-7w2gfu8 📺 https://t.co/oDHHldOJdk