Aljamain Sterling boasts an impressive track record in the UFC, never once missing weight throughout his decade-long tenure in the organization. With meticulous planning, he strategized his weight loss leading up to each fight, successfully hitting the mark on all 19 occasions he stepped onto the scale.
His dedication to professionalism extended beyond the scales, culminating in a remarkable journey that saw him clinch the UFC bantamweight championship in 2021. Sterling defended his title three times, setting records for most title defenses and victories in the 135-pound division with 15 wins.
However, following a title loss to Sean O’Malley in the summer of 2023, the 34-year-old Sterling decided it was time for a change, setting his sights on the featherweight division. His inaugural featherweight challenge awaits against seasoned contender Calvin Kattar at UFC 300: Pereira vs Hill.
For Sterling, the opportunity to make his mark at UFC 300 is monumental, presenting a platform to prove his prowess against the elite competition at 145 pounds. Speaking to UFC.com, Sterling expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This is what dreams are made of. Everyone wants to be on this card, so when they gave me the opportunity, I was like, ‘100% put me on the card.’”
UFC 300 promises to be a historic event, featuring a lineup packed with stars, including 12 former or current champions. Sterling sees this as a chance to reintroduce himself to fans and solidify his position in the featherweight division.
The matchup against Kattar poses an intriguing challenge, with the Massachusetts native known for his boxing skills, toughness, and finishing ability. Despite Kattar's strengths, Sterling plans to test his grappling prowess, aiming to exploit his opponent's relative inexperience against relentless takedown attempts.
Approaching this camp without the weight-cutting burden has allowed Sterling to focus on honing his skills, enhancing his energy levels, and refining his technique. He anticipates that this broader focus will yield dividends in the upcoming bout.
As Sterling ventures into this new weight class, he remains optimistic about the opportunities it presents, expressing his desire to potentially make history once again.
