A high-profile featherweight bout is no longer on the bill in UFC’s upcoming card in October. When UFC 307 Pay-per-view, Live from Delta Center rolls in, it’ll be without Aljamain Sterling. The former bantamweight champion announced Wednesday he’s withdrawing from his bout vs. Movsar Evloev due to an injury.
With Sterling (24-4 MMA, 16-4 UFC) out of the picture, it’s unclear if Movsar Evloev will keep his card spot. As of writing this, the Russian fighter from American Top Team (ATT) has not responded. UFC and ESPN homepages have yet to update the order for UFC 307: Pereira vs Rountree Jr. after this. However, ‘Funk Master’ broke the not-so-funky details on his official YT handle and X.
I believe God has a plan and is protecting me to give my best for @MovsarUFC. I need all my tools for an opponent like Movsar and hopefully he’s willing to fight me when I’m healed up. Thank you to the @UFC medical team for looking out for my health and protecting me from myself. This is a short delay and we will fight before the end of the year!
Aljamain Sterling via X (@funkmasterMMA)
Aljamain Sterling and his top-notch three consecutive UFC bantamweight title defenses remain the most in his division. The former 135-pound kingpin lost his gold at UFC 292 last year. However, he made a successful debut at featherweight at this year’s UFC 300 April PPV. Sterling also added a clip from his channel, discussing the matter and the caption.
Unfortunately I have to break the news I will not be competing in Salt Lake City at UFC 307, …in sparring, I had an injury, not requiring surgery, but I was advised by the UFC medical staff that I will not be able to properly compete in this short of a turnaround….I apologize to Movsar and his team because, of course, we’ve both been talking, and I was really looking forward to punching this guy in his face.
Aljamain Sterling via YT (@FunkMasterUFC)
I believe God has a plan and is protecting me to give my best for @MovsarUFC. I need all my tools for an opponent like Movsar and hopefully he’s willing to fight me when I’m healed up. Thank you to the @UFC medical team for looking out for my health and protecting me from myself.… pic.twitter.com/9nJVf14mew
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) September 18, 2024
Sterling has been racking up a lot of anticipation, with his rivalry and talkback with Movsar Evloev for his UFC 307 PPV slot. Often billed as snoozy for his intelligent ground game as opposed to his other skills, he still rakes up much fan following. Fans have also voiced concerns about not placing him in the main card yet again. However, that main card slot will now fall to someone else.
Fight fans react to Aljamain Sterling’s pullout
The backlash from fans and a multitude of MMA content publication sites seemed to have worked its charms. When the UFC 307 main card was to air on ESPNEWS/ESPN+10:00 A.M. onwards, Aljamain Sterling was to be the third-last fight of the night. Recently, ESPN broadcasts confirmed as much.
Fans react to Aljamain Sterling’s injury (Source: es.agfight.com/express.co.uk)This was to be his second outing at 145 lbs after he last dispatched Calvin Kattar in a dominant wrestle-heavy unanimous decision. A top bantamweight standout who put on a record 3:55:40 total fight time stat, fans were eager to see how well he fares in his new division.
However, without specifying what injury it was, he shared a clip from training showing sparring partner Jeremy Kennedy visibly tweaking his arm while attempting a kimura from underneath. In all probability, the injury could very well stem from that. Here’s a few top reactions to the matter.
Look Aljo im a fan of yours but please:
Stop accusing people of steroids with no proof.
Dont offer Whisky for Muslims !Sincerely, your fans.
— Knockout of the day (@KOofTheDAY) September 18, 2024
This is why Suga will always be better than you bum 💀 really talking all that shit just to pull out 🤡
— 𝕏 (@jackdoorsey1) September 18, 2024
naw wait and rematch sean thats the fight i want to see
— KUMA (@Kuma4King) September 18, 2024
Definitely take care of your body because going in hurt and losing will tarnish you more than waiting till you’re good.
And God forbid you try to explain the injury after. They try t roast you.
— Malcolm FleX (@Malcolm_fleX48) September 18, 2024
Wonder where that team was before the Sean fight 🤔
— Brax Moore (@brax_moore_more) September 18, 2024
You’re one of the most likable fighters on the roster.
When everything went down with Yan, I wasn’t a fan man.
But through your words, actions and viewpoints… you are now one of my favorite fighters on the roster and personalities in the organization.
Godspeed brother.
— Michael 🏴 The Live RICH Project (@Michaels_Ideas) September 18, 2024
Double shot of Funk Harbor and you’ll be alright 🤣
Nah take your time and get right champ.
We all want you at 100%.
— Mike Cutty (@MikeCuttyMMA) September 18, 2024
Fight him at 100% Aljo no more charity for these bums
— Thyrone Cameron 🏆🥇🎯 (@GetMeCash) September 18, 2024
You are an idiot. Who would push so hard you hear a snap like that in sparring. I was betting against you anyways.
— UFC Predicted (@UFCpredicted) September 18, 2024
It’s a whole mixed bag of reactions. Some have dissed him and blatantly called him out for pulling out. Others have subsequently supported and advised him to keep his body in check. Meanwhile, a few others have made quips to chug in a few pints of his ‘Funk Harbor’ and get the cylinders firing. Well, he isn’t Conor McGregor!
Some have also alluded to the fact that said UFC medical team would have been a boon for his previous billings. The reality TV Roku’s Fight Inc: Inside the UFC made it seem like he was coerced into his UFC 292 title scrap, although not fully healed from his UFC 288 Pay-per-view appearance with Henry Cejudo. All in all, the matter is quite viral and is supposed to be more so in the upcoming hours.
