After a successful run at the 135-pound division, Aljamain Sterling would love an opportunity to become a two-division world champion. The Jamaican-American made an impactful callout with his sights set on working his way up the featherweight rankings. Sterling has called out Diego Lopes for the Riyadh Season Noche UFC fight card at the Sphere.
Aljamain Sterling and Movsar Evloev were in talks for a fight for a long time. Sterling claimed that he offered Evloev a date for the fight, but Evloev has not accepted it yet. Because of this, Sterling felt Evloev played games with him. As a result, ‘Aljo’ has decided to move on from that fight and has called out Diego Lopes instead.
Hopefully we will have some fight news for you guys, I’m thinking about Aljamain Sterling versus Diego Lopes at the Sphere, has a nice ring to it. I gave him (Movsar Evloev) a date and he has not accepted it yet. So, Diego Lopes, if you oblige, lets make it happen on September 14th at the Sphere.
Aljamain Sterling via his Official YouTube channel
Aljo failed to regain his bantamweight title against Sean O’Malley at UFC 292. Following that, Sterling decided to move up to a higher-weight class. In his debut match at 145 lbs, he fought one of the veterans, Calvin Kattar, at UFC 300. Aljo defeated Kattar via unanimous decision. He cruised through the ranks of the featherweight division and got placed as 8th ranked 145 pounder.
Movsar Evloev was supposed to be Aljo’s next opponent in his title pursuit. The UFC has not yet officially announced the fight. As a result, Sterling wants Diego Lopes instead, who has claimed he’s ready to fight “anyone, anytime, and anywhere.” However, if the fight with Lopes doesn’t happen, the Jamaican has another opponent in mind.
Aljamain Sterling ready to fight Brian Ortega
Brian Ortega withdrew from his fight against Diego Lopes at UFC 303 at the last minute. However, Ortega has promised to give Lopes a fight in the near future. Ortega might also move up to the lightweight division. If he stays at featherweight, Sterling vs. Ortega will have all the makings of a fantastic encounter.
Brian Ortega and Aljamain Sterling (via X)Meanwhile, Aljamain Sterling, who is aiming for the title, has expressed his interest in fighting Brian Ortega after his victory over Calvin Kattar. It appears Sterling will take on all the top dogs in the featherweight division to earn a title shot.
Give me the next best guy. I’ll take Brian Ortega. Respectfully. I think I beat a guy like him and I’m undeniable.
Aljamain Sterling in his post fight press conference at UFC 300
An intriguing story could develop among Ortega, Sterling, and Lopes. However, it is still uncertain what the UFC’s stance on these fights will be. It remains to be seen whether they will pair Sterling vs. Lopes, Sterling vs. Ortega, or rebook the much anticipated Lopes vs. Ortega matchup.
