Aljamain Sterling issued a bold callout following his victory at UFC Vegas 116, targeting both Movsar Evloev and Alexander Volkanovski. Sterling emphasized his unique fighting style, mixing attacks and utilizing difficult-to-stop takedowns with veteran experience. He stressed his UFC tenure of 12 years and 23 fights, with only three against unranked opponents. Sterling demanded respect for his claim as the next title contender. He also made a colorful remark about knowing when to press the action and when to ease off, insisting he deserves a championship opportunity based on his consistent work ethic.
Aljamain "Funk Master" Sterling wasted no time after his victory at UFC Vegas 116, calling out both top-ranked featherweight Movsar Evloev and champion Alexander Volkanovski in the same breath.
Sterling, now 26-5 at 36 years old, has spent 12 years on the UFC roster and competed across 23 fights, with only three of those coming against unranked opposition. The Long Island product represents Serra-Longo Fight Team and currently sits at number four in the featherweight division. He lands 4.45 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy and averages 2.45 takedowns per 15 minutes, adding 0.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes to a well-rounded offensive profile. Sterling emphasized that his grappling is among the hardest in the division to defend, and he pointed to his veteran experience and hybrid attack style as reasons he merits a title shot.
Standing in his sights at number one in the rankings is Evloev, the undefeated 32-year-old Russian out of American Top Team. Evloev carries a perfect 20-0 record and averages an eye-catching 4.78 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the division's most active wrestlers. He lands 3.91 significant strikes per minute at 47 percent accuracy, rounding out a physically imposing game at 170 cm with a 183 cm reach.
The other name Sterling called out was featherweight champion Volkanovski, 37, who holds a 28-4 record and sits third in the pound-for-pound rankings. The Australian is statistically one of the most accurate strikers in the sport, connecting at 57 percent and landing nearly six significant strikes per minute. Volkanovski and Sterling share identical reach measurements at 71 inches.
Why it matters
- Sterling's callout of the division's top two names signals he views himself as the most credible next challenger at 145 pounds.
- A matchup with the undefeated Evloev would be a high-stakes grappling clash between two of the division's busiest wrestlers.
- With Volkanovski at pound-for-pound number three, any path to the belt runs directly through the champion's elite striking output.
