Former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has transitioned to a higher weight class and is now competing as a featherweight. With his upcoming fight against Movsar Evloev approaching, Sterling has shared his thoughts on the match. The fighter, born in New York, also discussed some interesting insights, referencing his defeat against Sean O’Malley as an example.
Aljamain Sterling lost his bantamweight title against Sean O’Malley at UFC 292. Interestingly, ‘Aljo’ entered that fight just three months after his previous match against Henry Cejudo. According to the New York-born fighter, that short interval significantly contributed to his defeat against O’Malley. As a result, Sterling made sure not to repeat the same mistake of rushing into a fight this time.
I asked for ironically an extra month because Movsar (Evloev) was trying to push me to come back sooner than I wanted to and I told him, you know I’m not going to do that again, I learned my lesson from the last fight which was my loss to (Sean) O’Malley… Now, when I compete, it’s on my terms, it’s when I feel like coming back and it’s when I feel mentally good.
Aljamain Sterling on his YouTube channel (Check from 4:00)
Initially, the fight between Sterling and Evloev was scheduled for UFC 307. However, after the former UFC bantamweight champion withdrew from the fight, the Russian fighter blasted him. Following this, Evloev made deliberate scathing comments at Sterling for delaying their fight. However, Aljo had his reasons and he took his stand.
Amid these developments, Sterling didn’t hold back and lashed out at his Russian opponent as well. Notably, Aljo accused him of using steroids. These events surrounding the Sterling vs. Evloev fight have heightened anticipation for the matchup. In this context, a teammate of the former bantamweight champion has also spoken about this fight.
Merab Dvalishvili talks about Aljamain Sterling’s preparation ahead of his upcoming fight
Aljamain Sterling is a veteran in the UFC. Throughout his impressive career, he has defeated formidable opponents largely due to his exceptional grappling skills. However, since moving to the featherweight division, he will now face greater challenges. The UFC featherweight division is home to some of the top fighters, including Sterling’s upcoming opponent, Movsar Evloev.
Aljamain Sterling grappling with Merab Dvalishvili (Image via Instagram)Evloev is arguably one of the top contenders in the division and remains undefeated. However, Aljo is not intimidated by his Russian opponent’s perfect record and has vowed to spoil it. Recently, Sterling’s teammate, Merab Dvalishvili, who has always been by Aljo’s side during training, discussed his preparations ahead of the fight at UFC 310.
Now (Sterling) did a bunch of jiu-jitsu rounds, too. He did two rounds with me, I couldn’t do anything, he was on top of me, controlling me, smashing me. That means Aljo (Sterling) is going to smash his opponent (at UFC 310). Even though his opponent (Movsar Evloev) is really good.
Merab Dvalishvili on Aljamain Sterling’s YouTube channel (Check from 3:35)
In addition to discussing Sterling’s preparations, Dvalishvili warned Evloev to be cautious about what is coming his way at UFC 310. This has heightened the excitement for the highly anticipated showdown between Aljo and his Russian opponent. Currently, Sterling has only won one fight in the featherweight division, so it will be interesting to see how he performs in his next outing as a 145-pound fighter.
