Aljamain Sterling plans to quickly take over the featherweight division before seeking revenge against Sean O’Malley.
In August 2023, O’Malley made history by knocking out Sterling in the UFC 292 main event to become the new bantamweight champion. Since then, ‘Funk Master’ moved up to the featherweight division, where he will debut at UFC 300, and ‘Suga’ defended his throne for the first time in a one-sided fight against Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera.
Sterling is focused on winning UFC gold at 145 pounds. Yet, the former bantamweight king hasn’t lost hope in potentially avenging his defeat against O’Malley in the future. During the UFC 300 media day, ‘Funk Master’ hinted at a potential champion vs champion rematch against ‘Suga’ by saying:
“I would like to get that one back, especially if I can win the belt at 145. [O’Malley] is talking about, ‘I want to go get the jet and go to Spain.’ Bro, worry about Merab [Dvalishvili] first, and let me worry about Calvin [Kattar]. If I get through Calvin and I can win the belt again, I would love to get that one back on that skinny guy. I would love to get that one back.”
Aljamain Sterling talks potential scenario where he receives featherweight title shot after Calvin Kattar
Before focusing on Sean O’Malley, Aljamain Sterling would have to become the featherweight champion, as he won’t return to bantamweight. To do so, the 34-year-old must take out the always-dangerous Calvin Kattar at UFC 300 before climbing the 145-pound ladder.
During his UFC 300 media day interview, Sterling was asked about the chances of him getting a featherweight title shot after one win. ‘Funk Master’ responded by explaining a potential scenario:
“I think so. I think if Max [Holloway] goes out there, he wins, I think I go out there, I win and I look good doing it, Ilia Topuria already said what he said, he said there’s no challengers, so why not just skip the line instead of getting in a tough gauntlet of a queue? The UFC, they do what they want. So, if they offer you a title fight, you’d be kind of crazy to tell them no. If I go out there and I do my job, I look good on a huge massive card, I think the rest will take care of itself.”
First things first, Aljamain Sterling can’t overlook Calvin Kattar. Not only is Sterling entering a new weight class, but Kattar also has added motivation after not fighting for a year-and-a-half due to a knee injury suffered against Arnold Allen. Only time will tell who secures the win in a matchup widely considered to be striker (Kattar) vs grappler (Sterling).
Watch Sterling’s entire media day interview below:
