UFC News: Aljamain Sterling on why Jose Aldo & Frankie Edgar's Bantamweight move "doesn't make a lot of sense"
Aljamain Sterling is riding a high wave right now in what has become a stacked Bantamweight division. He's sitting ranked #2 and in the eyes of many, is the clear-cut next contender in line for a title shot against Henry Cejudo.
The New York-based fighter was recently on UFC Unfiltered where he was asked about the change in the Bantamweight scenario following the additions of two legends in Jose Aldo and Frankie Edgar. He was critical of their decision to move down to 135, saying (H/T Credit MMA Junkie):
“Two belts in two different weight classes would be historic, but they’re old in fight years, they’re older in age, and they’re fighting guys who are almost a decade younger than them – so it’s going to be very interesting to see how they do. I’m not wishing them any type of ill will, but at the same time, I just wish they hug each other for 15 minutes and have boring fights.
This is when he added that it doesn't make much sense to him:
“I don’t really understand or can make much sense out of it. I’m like, ‘You guys established yourselves as (1)45-ers – to come down at that age, that late in your career, it doesn’t make a ton of sense to me.’ It’s the last Hail Mary. It’s the last hurrah for another title shot and one more chance for them to become a champion again in another weight class.”
He said that he hopes both Edgar and Aldo have uninspiring performances so that the UFC can give a title shot to the 135-ers who have been working from the ground up. Jose Aldo is set to face Marlon Moraes at UFC 245 while Frankie Edgar faces Cody Sandhagen in late January, 2020.
Do you agree with Aljamain Sterling's assessment of the move down to 135 for the legends? Voice your opinion in the comments below!