Aljamain Sterling is now a featherweight contender. The former bantamweight champion recently provided some interesting insights on the upcoming fight between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria at UFC 308. Here is what happened:
Aljamain Sterling recently sat down for a conversation on ‘Verse Us with Eric Nicksick’. During the conversation, he shared his thoughts on how BMF champion, Max Holloway could overpower Ilia Topuria in his first title defense. Sterling believes that Holloway’s best chance of winning lies in his ability to wear down Topuria over the course of the fight.
His footwork is what helps him so much in his fights, and he’s got great durability. So if he gets back to his kicking game and he stays on his range… it will be very interesting to see what happens in the later rounds.
Aljamain Sterling on Verse Us with Eric Nicksick
Sterling suggested that Holloway should stay on the move and force Topuria to miss or engage in energy-draining exchanges. This could tire out Topuria and make the later rounds more competitive. He pointed out that Topuria has yet to show any signs of fatigue in his previous fights. However, Holloway’s relentless pace, footwork, and endurance could test Topuria like never before.
This would only be possible if Holloway managed to extend the fight and avoid getting caught early by Topuria’s power. At UFC 300, Max Holloway put on an impressive performance against Justin Gaethje, utilizing a variety of kicks to systematically break down Gaethje. By the second round, Gaethje’s nose was already compromised, making it difficult for him to breathe properly. It will be interesting to see if he can do the same with ‘El Matador’ at UFC 308.
Aljamain Sterling’s heated altercation with a fan
Aljamain Sterling had a tense encounter with a fan in Australia while attending UFC 293. This was during Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland which was held at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia. He narrated the incident in his recent appearance on the ‘Verse Us’ podcast.
Aljamain Sterling’s heated interaction with fan (Image via Imago)Supposedly the fan was aggressively taunting the former bantamweight champion for getting beat by Sean O’Malley. Sterling confronted the man who was with his friends.
I was trying to get him to come to the bathroom, because I was gonna f**k his world up. I swear on my life, I was like, you think I’m wrestling you? I’m gonna beat the piss out of you in this f**king bathroom. And he just disappeared.
Aljamain Sterling continued
Sterling was ready to go right then and there and had his hand on the man’s neck. Fortunately, the man disappeared into the crowd and nothing serious ever happened. This is similar to what happened to Merab Dvalishvili ahead of UFC 305 at the CJI.
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