Former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling is ready to make a statement in his quest for redemption. With his sights set on UFC 296 on December 16, Sterling has expressed his interest in facing off against Josh Emmett, seizing the opportunity to prove his worth in the featherweight division.
The stage was set when Giga Chikadze suffered a devastating injury, forcing him to withdraw from the December 5 fight. Emmett, left without an opponent, turned to the rest of the roster for a worthy adversary. Among the names suggested, including Edson Barboza, Diego Lopes, and Bryce Mitchell, stood Sterling, a former champion eager to reclaim his glory.
Responding to Emmett's call to action, Sterling posted his own message, sending shockwaves through the MMA community. "I just weighed out at 166.6lbs," Sterling remarked. "[Just saying], [featherweight funk.]" Despite hovering between the lightweight and welterweight divisions, Sterling exudes confidence in his ability to shed the necessary 20lbs within the next ten days for his featherweight debut.
While this callout may not generate the same buzz as Sterling's previous challenge to Max Holloway, it still carries immense significance. With Sterling's championship pedigree and Emmett's formidable ranking, a victory in this fight would catapult Sterling into contention for a title shot.
It is important to note that the featherweight title will be up for grabs in the main event of UFC 297 in February 2024. Alexander Volkanovski, the reigning champion, will defend his throne against the young and hungry Ilia Topuria in a matchup that could reshape the entire division.
If Sterling can navigate his way to the featherweight championship by defeating Emmett and subsequently triumphing over the winner of Volkanovski vs. Topuria, he will etch his name in the annals of UFC history. This path to redemption is not without its challenges, but Sterling's determination and skill make him a formidable force to be reckoned with.
As the world eagerly awaits UFC 296, fans and pundits alike will keep a close eye on Sterling's journey. Will he seize this opportunity to reclaim his former glory and etch his name in the annals of UFC history? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - Aljamain Sterling is a name you won't soon forget.
