Aljamain Sterling with the statement submission @espnmma https://t.co/ZLDxNVzbTe pic.twitter.com/cdeFfNURsb
— ESPN (@espn) June 7, 2020
In a mixed martial arts world based on merit alone, Aljamain Sterling would already be one-half of the next UFC bantamweight championship bout.
“Funk Master” made short work of fellow contender Cory Sandhagen at UFC 250, submitting his foe with a rear-naked choke 1:28 into the opening round of their featured clash at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
“I’m a viper, the human backpack,” Sterling said following his victory. “I put these hooks in and you aren’t going anywhere. You’re going to be there for a very, very long night. I heard his coach say, ‘He’s just looking to wrestle’ and I said, ‘Yup.’
“That’s my game plan, pressure forward. Elite wrestlers can really dictate the pace of a fight, especially if you are competent on the feet. That’s what makes us more dangerous,” he continued. “Striking is fun, but it hurts a lot more -- I’ll tell you that. Wrestling is just an easier, clear-cut path to victory, especially when you are as dangerous on the ground as myself. There are black belts and then there are black belts, and I’m a Serra BJJ black belt.”
Sterling has won five straight and seven of his last eight overall in UFC competition, but he will have to wait to get his shot at bantamweight gold. Petr Yan and Jose Aldo have been tabbed to square off for the belt recently vacated by Henry Cejudo, and that booking won’t change, according to UFC president Dana White.
“Well, you guys know what the next fight is. But, yeah, he’ll get the next fight after that. … I think (Aldo vs. Yan) is done,” White said at Saturday’s post-fight press conference.
While Yan owns a six-fight winning streak at 135 pounds, Aldo lost a split decision to Marlon Moraes in his bantamweight debut at UFC 245. The former featherweight king was requested as an opponent by Cejudo, and he has maintained his spot as a top contender even after the Olympic gold medalist’s retirement.
The date for Yan vs. Aldo is currently unclear, but Sterling will be ready to step in should anything happen to either fighter.
“We got Merab [Dvalishvili] fighting next weekend against Ray Borg, we got Matt Frevola against Camacho the following week, so I’m going to be here working out with these guys, helping them stay in shape and getting them ready and giving them some looks,” Sterling said. “I’m not banged up, which is great, so I could be a good asset for them. Which is great for these next few fight weeks and [to] stay ready.
“I’m trying to realize a dream. I can feel it. I can touch it, and that’s it. I’m on cloud nine, man.”