Aljamain Sterling believes he has definitively earned the next title shot in the featherweight division. Sterling stated that he went out and did what he needed to do, and critics can no longer argue he doesn't deserve his chance. He described his performance as making a statement for a title fight in a very convincing manner. Sterling added that if offered the title bout, he will accept it and won't step aside to suggest that Movsar Evloev deserves it more. The comments come following his recent victory over Youssef Zalal.
Aljamain "Funk Master" Sterling is making his case loudly after a convincing win over Youssef Zalal, declaring himself the rightful next contender for the featherweight title and vowing to accept the fight if it is offered.
Sterling, 36, holds a 26-5 record and currently sits fourth in the featherweight rankings. The American fighter, who trains out of the Serra-Longo Fight Team, has been active and effective at 145 pounds, averaging 4.45 significant strikes per minute at a 52 percent striking accuracy rate. He also contributes on the ground, averaging 2.45 takedowns per 15 minutes with 0.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes. Following the Zalal victory, Sterling said he went out and did exactly what he needed to do, and that critics can no longer argue against his claim. He described the performance as a statement for a title fight made in a very convincing manner, and was direct in saying he will not step aside for anyone if the opportunity is presented.
One name Sterling specifically addressed is Movsar Evloev, the undefeated Russian contender ranked first in the featherweight division. Evloev, 32, carries a perfect 20-0 record and trains at American Top Team. He is a formidable presence at 145 pounds, averaging 4.78 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing significant strikes at a 47 percent clip. Sterling made clear he does not intend to suggest Evloev deserves the shot over him.
Why it matters
- Sterling's win over Zalal pushes his case from fringe to legitimate, moving the conversation around the featherweight title picture
- Evloev's undefeated record and top ranking put him in direct competition with Sterling for the next title opportunity
- A contrasting style matchup exists between Sterling's submission threat and Evloev's high-volume wrestling game, making any potential meeting between them compelling at divisional level
