Aljamain Sterling has issued callouts to both Movsar Evloev and Alexander Volkanovski following his victory at UFC Vegas 116. Sterling stated he is coming for both fighters and emphasized his unique fighting style, highlighting his ability to mix attacks and his difficult-to-stop takedowns. He pointed to his veteran experience and knowledge of when to push forward and when to ease off. Sterling demanded a title shot, noting he has been with the company for 12 years with 23 UFC fights, only three of which were against unranked opponents. He called for respect and declared himself the next title contender, telling others to back off.
Aljamain Sterling wasted no time after his victory at UFC Vegas 116, publicly calling out both featherweight number-one contender Movsar Evloev and champion Alexander Volkanovski in the same breath.
Sterling, known as "Funk Master," sits fourth in the featherweight rankings at 26-5-0. The 36-year-old American out of Serra-Longo Fight Team stands five-foot-seven with a 71-inch reach and has compiled his record across 23 UFC appearances over 12 years with the promotion. He lands 4.45 significant strikes per minute at a 52 percent accuracy rate and averages 2.45 takedowns per 15 minutes, a weapon he described as particularly difficult to stop. Sterling made clear he views himself as the division's next title contender, demanding respect for his longevity and pointing out that only three of his UFC bouts came against unranked opposition.
Standing in his path at number one is Evloev, the undefeated Russian out of American Top Team who carries a perfect 20-0-0 record into his prime at 32 years old. The five-foot-seven orthodox striker averages a division-leading 4.78 takedowns per 15 minutes to go along with 3.91 significant strikes landed per minute, making him a dual threat in both phases.
Holding the featherweight title is Volkanovski, the 37-year-old Australian champion who sits third in the pound-for-pound rankings with a 28-4-0 record. At five-foot-six, "The Great" is one of the division's most accurate strikers, connecting at 57 percent while averaging a remarkable 5.99 significant strikes per minute.
Why it matters
- Sterling at number four is one win away from a realistic title shot, making this callout strategically sound rather than purely promotional.
- A matchup with the unbeaten Evloev would be a direct number-one contender clash between two wrestlers who also produce at range.
- Volkanovski's champion status makes him the ultimate target, and Sterling's veteran grappling presents a stylistic puzzle the champion has not yet faced.
