Former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling believes he’s the right man to challenge reigning featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski after the champion defeated Diego Lopes for a second time. Sterling (20-5 MMA, 17-5 UFC) has gone 2-1 since moving up to the featherweight division and says a matchup with Volkanovski would produce a high-level technical battle.
Volkanovski (28-4 MMA, 15-3 UFC) recently defended his title again against Diego Lopes, defeating the Brazilian contender for the second time. Following that result, Sterling believes the time is right for a new challenger. “Me and Volk, we’re two technicians. We would put on a masterclass of MMA,” Sterling said on MMA Junkie Radio. Sterling believes the stylistic matchup between two well-rounded fighters could produce one of the most technical fights in the division.
Aljamain Sterling also questioned the UFC’s decision to book a rematch between Volkanovski and Lopes, arguing it slowed down the entire featherweight division. “The rematch kind of slowed everything up… it did slow everything up for everybody.”
According to Sterling, the promotion may have expected Lopes to pull off the upset in the rematch, but the champion instead delivered an even more convincing win.
Willing to Fight Anyone
Even though a title fight is his preferred outcome, Sterling says he’s open to facing another contender if that’s what it takes to secure the opportunity. “Whoever they put in front of me, I’ve never told anybody no.”
The former bantamweight champion emphasized that he’s been patient while waiting for the UFC to give him a clear path toward a championship opportunity at 145 pounds.
With Volkanovski still holding the belt and several contenders jockeying for position, the UFC will soon need to decide who gets the next title shot. Sterling believes he has done enough to be in that conversation and hopes his next fight could finally lead to a showdown with the reigning champion.
UFC Freedom 250 Will Offer 85,000 Free Tickets for Historic Event
Welcome to Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
