Former UFC bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling has expanded his brand into the spirits industry with the launch of Funk Harbor Rum. Sterling bit back at Movsar Evloev who commented on it online, offering the Muslim Russian a bottle after he beat him up in the octagon. Unfortunately, Sterling won’t be doing so at UFC 307 because he had to pull out due to injury. Here is what happened:
Movsar Evloev recently sent out a tweet on X calling out Aljamain Sterling about being in the alcohol business. The Russian called him out to show up in Utah at UFC 307. Evloev wrote he would beat up the former champion for everything he said during the buildup. Sterling sent out a response of his own.
Yes, we launched August 1st of this year. I’ll gift you a bottle after the whooping I give you for everything you’ve said as well. Or you can buy your own bottle
Aljamain Sterling on X
Sterling’s Jamaican rum is crafted in collaboration with Driftwood Distillery in the Netherlands. The rum embodies Sterling’s Caribbean roots. It draws inspiration from his family’s experiences in Jamaica’s Dry Harbor Mountains. Rum has been a staple of social gatherings and celebrations in his native land.
Funk Harbor Rum was officially launched in August 2023 and is available online. Sterling’s entry into the liquor business follows in the footsteps of other fighters like Conor McGregor and Jorge Masvidal, who have also ventured into the alcohol industry.
Sterling had to pull out of the fight because of a shoulder injury. The #9 ranked featherweight picked up the injury during sparring. In a video on X, he further clarified the details surrounding the incident. Unfortunately, this leaves Evloev without an opponent for the moment. The Russian has not stepped into the octagon since January of this year.
I did stem cells. I took time off. I tried to rehab it as much as I could and as best I could with the [UFC Performance Institute]. Unfortunately, it’s out of my hands now.
Aljamain Sterling after pulling out of UFC 307
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
Fan reminds Aljamain Sterling what happened the last time someone offered alcohol to a Muslim in the UFC
Fans pointed out that it was quite disrespectful to Movsar Evloev if he was a Muslim. However, Aljamain Sterling wrote back saying that he thought the Russian was merely supporting his business venture. Another fan wrote that last time someone offered alcohol to a Muslim they got beat to a pulp.
This was in reference to the infamous rivalry between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov culminated in one of the UFC’s most dramatic and controversial events at UFC 229. The tension between the two fighters reached new heights before the fight. During one of the press conference, McGregor even offered Khabib whiskey, despite knowing Khabib does not drink due to his Islamic faith. This was seen as an intentional provocation and escalated their feud.
Sterling has faced several injuries over the past few years, and this was another setback in his career. Meanwhile, Evloev is still up for a fight even though the bout has been canceled. Sterling hopes their fight will be rescheduled for December.
