Aljamain Sterling is feeling optimistic about a potential matchup with reigning featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. Following Topuria’s impressive performance at UFC 308, where he defended his title by stopping former champion Max Holloway, Sterling believes he can effectively counter Topuria’s striking prowess.
Topuria made history by becoming the first fighter to finish Holloway with strikes, solidifying his status as one of the most formidable strikers in the sport. His earlier second-round knockout of Alexander Volkanovski further showcases his striking capabilities, leaving even potential opponents like Sterling in awe.
“I ain’t standing with that guy. I would never stand and trade with that guy!” Sterling quipped on his YouTube channel. He noted the reactions to Topuria’s victory, jokingly mentioning comments about changing weight classes. “I made a joke, ‘I want to go back to 135.’ [Laughs]… I’ll point to the ground but I’ll do my running man dance instead.”
Sterling is well aware that he could soon find himself in the octagon with Topuria. While Volkanovski is anticipated to be next in line for a title shot against Topuria, the outcome of Sterling’s upcoming fight against Movsar Evloev at UFC 310 could influence future title opportunities.
“If I were to fight him, god willing, I beat Movsar and I do get the crack, I do think I have a great style to neutralize his offense,” Sterling stated confidently. He emphasized the importance of grappling, stating, “Most of these guys are striking with him. I ain’t doing that, bro! We’re sitting there looking for a takedown. I have to make it a grappling match. I’m trying to get the W, I’m not trying to get my brain sent to the next dimension again. I’m cool on that.”
Sterling’s journey to featherweight follows a setback in which he lost his bantamweight title to Sean O’Malley at UFC 292. He rebounded by defeating Calvin Kattar in his featherweight debut. Meanwhile, his longtime friend and training partner, Merab Dvalishvili, captured the bantamweight championship, complicating the possibility of a Sterling-Topuria bout due to their mutual connections.
“Merab and I are boys. Merab is also boys with Ilia, so I don’t know what that turns into,” Sterling acknowledged. “Thankfully I don’t have to worry about that anytime soon. I’ve got one other tough opponent in front of me, and then we kind of go from there.”
UFC 310 is scheduled for December 7 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where Sterling will face Movsar Evloev in a critical matchup that could pave the way for a future clash with Topuria.
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