Aljamain Sterling expressed his championship ambitions following his victory at UFC Vegas 116. Sterling stated that while Movsar Evloev deserves a title shot, he himself would not refuse the opportunity if presented. The former champion appears ready to insert himself into the title picture at featherweight. Sterling's comments suggest he believes he has earned consideration for a championship bout based on his recent performance.
Aljamain Sterling made clear he has championship ambitions at featherweight after securing a victory over Movsar Evloev at UFC Vegas 116 on April 26, positioning himself as a contender in a loaded 145-pound division.
Sterling, known as "Funk Master," carries a 26-5 record and is currently ranked fourth in the featherweight division. The 36-year-old American, who trains out of Serra-Longo Fight Team, is a former champion now chasing gold in a second weight class. He lands 4.45 significant strikes per minute at a 52 percent accuracy rate and adds consistent grappling pressure with 2.45 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a well-rounded threat at any level of the division.
Evloev, the man Sterling defeated, enters this conversation from a position of considerable strength as well. The Russian standout from American Top Team remains undefeated at 20-0 and holds the number-one featherweight ranking at 32 years old. He averages 4.78 takedowns per 15 minutes and connects at 47 percent striking accuracy, making him one of the most complete fighters outside the championship picture.
Sterling stopped short of dismissing Evloev's own title credentials, acknowledging that the unbeaten Russian deserves a shot. However, Sterling made plain that he would not turn down a title opportunity if one came his way following the performance.
Why it matters
- Sterling's win over the top-ranked Evloev is a strong argument for a championship conversation at featherweight
- At fourth in the rankings, Sterling could now make a credible case to leapfrog the division's title queue
- A matchup between a versatile former champion and a featherweight title holder would test striking and grappling on both sides
- Evloev's undefeated record keeps him in the title discussion despite the loss of momentum a defeat brings
