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Aljamain Sterling Addresses Potential UFC Featherweight Title Shot

Aljamain Sterling did not hold back after his latest win over Youssef Zalal at UFC Vegas 116. He earned a dominant unanimous decision victory in the main event, which could lead to a featherweight title shot. Sterling made a strong case, considering his performances since moving up to 145 pounds.

‘Funk Master,’ a former bantamweight champion, aims to join the list of legends to become a two-division UFC champion. His lone loss since moving up to featherweight came via split decision against Movsar Evloev. Many within the MMA community were divided on the loss, as some believed Sterling should have been awarded the decision.

Sterling admitted that Evloev deserves a title shot, especially after his latest win over Lerone Murphy. However, he said he would accept if the UFC offers him a title shot against Alexander Volkanovski instead.

“You guys all watched Movsar [Evloev] 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 during the UFC Vegas 116 post-fight press conference. “If [the UFC matchmakers] do offer me the opportunity, I’m not going to say no. I’m not going to say, ‘This guy deserves it [more].’

He added:

“If they offer [the featherweight title shot] to me, then hell yeah I’m taking it. I’m going to give it everything I’ve got until the wheels falls off,” he said. “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.”

Aljamain Sterling Respects Movsar Evloev

Aljamain Sterling also made it clear that he respects Movsar Evloev and is not campaigning to steal a title opportunity. Evloev currently sits at No. 1 in the UFC featherweight rankings.

Before facing Murphy, the promotion was criticized after Diego Lopes received a title shot against Volkanovski instead. Among those who were vocal was Sterling. During last night’s post-fight press conference, the former bantamweight champion reiterated that he respects his former opponent.

“I just don’t want to feel like I’m talking [expletive] to Movsar because I’m not, I respect the guy,” Sterling said. “People might say whatever. I just truly feel like I won that fight [against him]. If not, it’s a draw, at worst. At the end of the day, the UFC makes the decisions. I’m just here to do my part.”

Sterling Breaks Down Dominant Win Over Youssef Zalal

Sterling also shared his thoughts on his dominant win over Youssef Zalal at UFC Vegas 116. He entered the bout with a lot to prove, especially given the current landscape of the featherweight division.

Sterling said he achieved everything he set out to do and praised Zalal’s toughness.

“I really thought I could get [Zalal] out of there but again, he’s just a really tough dude. I know some people are still going to be critical,” Sterling said. “You can’t please everybody. I thought that was as close to a flawless performance as I can get.”

The matchmakers now have an important decision to make. Evloev is the current No. 1 ranked featherweight. However, Sterling is now firmly in the title picture and has a chance to become a two-division champion.