Aljamain Sterling made a strong statement following his victory at UFC Vegas 116, demanding a title shot in the featherweight division. He called out both Movsar Evloev and Alexander Volkanovski, emphasizing his unique fighting style that mixes attacks with difficult-to-stop takedowns. Sterling highlighted his veteran experience and knowledge of when to push forward and when to pull back strategically. He stressed his credentials with 12 years in the UFC and 23 total fights, with only three against unranked opponents, demanding respect as the next title contender.
Aljamain "Funk Master" Sterling wasted no time after his victory at UFC Vegas 116 on April 26, publicly calling out both Movsar Evloev and featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski as he staked his claim to a title shot at 145 pounds.
Sterling, 36, carries a 26-5 record and currently sits fourth in the featherweight rankings. The Long Island native trains out of Serra-Longo Fight Team and has built a reputation as one of the most well-rounded fighters in the sport, landing 4.45 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy while also averaging 2.45 takedowns per 15 minutes. In making his case, Sterling pointed to 12 years in the UFC and 23 total fights, nearly all against ranked competition, as proof he deserves to be next in line. He emphasized a hybrid attacking style that blends striking with difficult-to-stop grappling, and stressed his experience knowing when to press and when to manage distance.
Standing in his way as the division's top-ranked contender is Evloev, the undefeated Russian out of American Top Team. At 32 years old with a perfect 20-0 record, Evloev is five feet seven inches tall with a 72-inch reach and has been relentless in his climb, averaging 4.78 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 3.91 significant strikes per minute.
The champion Sterling is also targeting is Volkanovski, the 37-year-old Australian who holds a 28-4 record and sits third on the pound-for-pound rankings. Known for an aggressive, high-output style, "The Great" lands 5.99 significant strikes per minute at an impressive 57 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Sterling at number four would need to leapfrog ranked contenders to reach a title shot, making a callout of the number-one ranked Evloev a logical pressure move.
- A win over Evloev or a direct title booking against Volkanovski would instantly headline a major card given both men's profiles.
- Sterling's grappling-heavy style sets up a contrasting matchup against Evloev, who is himself one of the division's most active takedown artists.
