A legendary figure in the UFC`s bantamweight division recently shared doubts about his ability to successfully make the weight class limit again.
Following his impressive thirteenth consecutive victory, secured against Sean O’Malley at UFC 316, many observers now regard the reigning champion, Merab Dvalishvili, as the `GOAT` of the bantamweight category.
Naturally, Dvalishvili is not the only fighter included in this ongoing debate. Other prominent names like Dominick Cruz, TJ Dillashaw, and his own teammate, Aljamain Sterling, are also frequently mentioned in the conversation for the greatest bantamweight.
Interestingly, Dvalishvili himself considers Sterling to be the premier bantamweight in history, citing Sterling`s record of 15 wins and 3 successful title defenses in the division as justification.
Sterling himself departed the 135 lbs division in 2023 after losing his championship belt to O’Malley and has largely focused on his career in the featherweight ranks since then.
Aljamain Sterling Briefly Considered a Bantamweight Comeback
Sterling, a former bantamweight champion who now competes as a featherweight contender, revealed in a recent interview with Home of Fight that he did contemplate moving back down to the 135 lbs division earlier this year.
“I did think about it,” Sterling stated when discussing a potential return to bantamweight.
He explained, “When I woke up one morning, I weighed around 161.”
“I thought, maybe I could make 135 again,” Sterling added, recounting his brief consideration.
“However, my weight quickly went back up to 168 lbs, and I realized that thought was merely a fleeting possibility and isn`t realistic,” he concluded, shutting down the idea.
Sterling recently expressed a desire for a rematch against O’Malley, asserting that he felt he was only operating at 50% capacity during their initial encounter at UFC 292.
Currently, Sterling is ranked #9 in the UFC featherweight division. He holds a 1-1 record since moving up in weight, with a victory over Calvin Kattar and a loss to the undefeated Movsar Evloev.
At 35 years old, Sterling remains actively pursuing the goal of capturing a second UFC title, this time in the 145 lbs category.
Remembering Sterling`s Dominant Bantamweight Run, Including a Quick Finish of a Top Contender
`Funkmaster` enjoyed a remarkable and impactful run in the UFC bantamweight division. His tenure included notable wins over four former champions, a distinction he shares with his teammate Dvalishvili.
Sterling`s list of defeated opponents includes prominent names such as Petr Yan, TJ Dillashaw, Henry Cejudo, and perennial top contender Cory Sandhagen. Sandhagen is currently considered a strong candidate to be Dvalishvili’s next challenger for the title.
Sandhagen suffered his first-ever UFC loss at the hands of Sterling during their fight at UFC 250 in 2020. In the opening moments of the bout, within the first 30 seconds, Sterling efficiently closed the distance and expertly secured a dominant back control position on Sandhagen.
Incredibly, less than a minute and a half into the fight, Sterling swiftly transitioned and locked in a rear-naked choke. He secured the tap-out victory in what is widely considered one of the most impressive and flawless performances of his career.
This decisive victory significantly elevated Sterling`s standing, positioning him for a title shot against the then-champion, Petr Yan, the following year.
