Aljamain Sterling wouldn’t decline a UFC featherweight title opportunity if offered following his performance at UFC Vegas 116.
Sterling shared the Octagon with Youssef Zalal inside the Meta Apex this past Saturday. The “Funk Master” scored a unanimous decision win to earn his second victory in a row. Sterling’s most recent loss was against Movsar Evloev, and he continues to dispute the judges’ decision.
Speaking to reporters during the UFC Vegas 116 post-fight press conference, Sterling said while he thinks Evloev should get a featherweight title shot against Alexander Volkanovski, he wouldn’t take issue with getting the fight instead (via MMAJunkie).
“You guys all watched Movsar vs. Lerone Murphy, and I’m just saying I let the fans decide. I let the UFC brass decide. I do think Movsar deserves it,” Sterling said. “But if they do offer me the opportunity, I’m not going to say no. I’m not going to say, ‘This guy deserves it (instead).’ If they offer it to me, then hell yeah I’m taking it. I’m going to give it everything I’ve got until the wheels fall off. I think it’s a fight that everybody would love to see: two OGs of the sport. Why not? It just makes a whole lot of sense. I don’t know.”
Sterling is a former UFC Bantamweight Champion, but he has yet to compete for gold in the 145-pound weight class. He has gone 3-1 since making the jump to featherweight. Sterling has beaten Zalal, Brian Ortega, and Calvin Kattar during that span.
Volkanovski has said that he feels Evloev should be next in line. “The Great” has admitted he’s tired of not facing the rightful No. 1 contender. BJPenn.com will keep you updated on the UFC featherweight title picture.
Is there any way Aljamain Sterling gets offered a UFC featherweight title fight over Movsar Evloev? Join in on the conversation in the comments below.