Aljamain Sterling has had to reconsider his options. The former UFC bantamweight champion pulled out of a scheduled fight with Movsar Evloev due to a low-grade elbow tear. This injury forced Sterling out of UFC 307 later this October. However, he is aiming for a comeback by December and has his eyes set on rising contender Diego Lopes.
Aljamain Sterling is keeping his options open. The former champion recently sat down for a conversation with The Schmo. During their discussion, Sterling revealed that he is still hoping that Evloev will be available for a fight in December. However, he is ready to take on Diego Lopes if that bout falls through.
If we’re talking the next best fight, if Movsar declines… But if you give me the option… that next closest guy is Diego Lopes.
Aljamain Sterling on The Schmo
Sterling acknowledged Lopes’s growing prominence in the promotion. With just six fights in, the Brazilian has rapidly ascended the featherweight rankings. Lopes recently secured a career-defining win against Brian Ortega at UFC 306. That victory elevated him to No. 5 in the featherweight division.
Movsar Evloev had already called out for Diego Lopes. However, the Brazilian turned him down. Sterling remarked that if he was going to take a risky fight, it would be worth it against someone like Lopes. This fight could potentially shake up the featherweight division and position Sterling closer to the top.
Diego Lopes has conditions for a rematch with Movsar Evloev
Diego Lopes has set his sights on a high-profile fight with former UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. After beating Brian Ortega at UFC 306, Lopes climbed to No. 5 in the rankings. This has put him in a favorable position.
Diego Lopes on Movsar Evloev rematch (Image via Imago)During his interview with MMA Fighting, the Brazilian revealed plans to aim for a fight with Volkanovski in December. If not he intends to serve as the backup for the upcoming featherweight title bout between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria at UFC 308. Lopes is also open to a rematch with Movsar Evloev but on one condition.
The only possibility this fight happens is if the UFC really says, ‘OK, you fight him and win, and you’re next for the belt.
Diego Lopes on MMA Fighting
The Russian gave him the first taste of defeat in the UFC at his promotional debut. However, Lopes has made it clear that he would only accept the rematch if a guaranteed title shot is on the line. Lopes also emphasized that he wants a full training camp, not a short-notice fight, like their previous encounter.
