Aljamain Sterling’s story about Jon Jones offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of one of the most polarizing figures in MMA. Sterling was then a college student at SUNY Cortland. The two connected when Sterling reached out to Jones through MySpace, eager to learn more about MMA after noticing that Jones was training near his campus. Here is what happened:
During his conversation with Demetrious Johnson, Aljamain Sterling recalled being in awe of Jon Jones. Not only for his fighting skills but for his ability to seemingly ignore the conventional wisdom of what makes a great athlete. Sterling, like many aspiring fighters, had a strict approach to his training: no drinking, smoking, or partying.
And then that weekend he would just murder a guy on International TV. I was like, ‘He’s doing something right’. It was like, ‘It’s all mental, baby’. Just put the d*mn work in, and you’re good.
Aljamain Sterling via ‘Mighty’
He followed the examples of legendary boxers like Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali. They emphasized discipline and focus outside the ring. In contrast, Jones seemed to thrive while doing the opposite. Sterling talked about seeing Jones “going nuts” at the bar just days before his fights. This wild, carefree attitude puzzled Sterling.
That made Sterling rethink his assumptions about what it takes to be a champion. Jones’ notorious partying has been well-documented over the years. That has contributed to his complex legacy as both one of the greatest fighters in UFC history and a controversial figure outside the cage.
This was when Jones’s natural talent was already apparent. Despite their shared history, Sterling has also mentioned that their relationship is not as close as it once was. Both men have risen to the top of their divisions, albeit with different paths and philosophies.
Aljamain Sterling on fighting Sean O’Malley at UFC 292
Aljamain Sterling has faced significant backlash following his complaints about his UFC 292 title fight loss to Sean O’Malley. The former champion expressed frustration over various aspects, including UFC’s favoritism towards O’Malley. He had previously accused O’Malley of taking an easier path to the title, comparing it to the “Jake Paul route” of success.
Aljamain Sterling on fighting Sean O’Malley (Image via Imago)Sterling has always been vocal about his issues with how the fight was handled. He talked about it during his conversation with Demetrious Johnson on the ‘Mighty’ YouTube channel. Sterling had just defeated former double champion Henry Cejudo earlier in May. Just three months after that he took on Sean O’Malley at UFC 292.
I knew I was like fighting an uphill battle. I’m like, you know, I told my manager no probably like five different times but eventually, somehow, I was eventually convinced to take it.
Aljamain Sterling via ‘Mighty’
Fans, however, seem to have grown tired of Sterling’s repeated grievances and his refusal to fully accept the defeat. Many have criticized him for making excuses, rather than moving on from the loss. Especially since O’Malley’s victory via TKO in the second round was decisive. Sterling’s comments and behavior outside the octagon, including confrontations with O’Malley’s fans, have only fueled the tensions.
