Aljamain Sterling shared his thoughts about his career trajectory and future ambitions. The former bantamweight champion discussed his goals moving forward in his MMA career. Sterling expressed interest in pursuing a second championship belt in a different weight class. The post suggests that winning a second belt would significantly strengthen his legacy in the sport. Sterling has recently moved up to featherweight after relinquishing his bantamweight title. Specific details about which division or timeline were limited in the original post.
Aljamain Sterling has opened up about his ambitions to become a two-division UFC champion, making clear that his competitive drive remains strong following his transition to featherweight.
Sterling, known as "Funk Master," enters this next chapter of his career with a professional record of 26 wins and 5 losses. The 36-year-old American, who trains out of Serra-Longo Fight Team, relinquished his bantamweight title before moving up to featherweight, where he currently sits ranked fourth in the division. Standing five-foot-seven with a 71-inch reach, Sterling has built his reputation as one of the more complete fighters in the lighter weight classes, averaging 4.45 significant strikes landed per minute at a 52 percent striking accuracy rate, while also contributing on the mat with 2.45 takedowns per 15 minutes.
In a recent interview, Sterling addressed his goals moving forward, expressing a clear desire to capture gold in his new division. He indicated that securing a second championship belt would meaningfully add to his legacy in the sport, a legacy already anchored by his run as bantamweight champion. Details about a specific timeline or targeted opponent were limited.
Why it matters
- Sterling at number four in featherweight puts him within striking distance of a title shot if he continues to build momentum in the division
- A second belt would place him among a small group of fighters to hold UFC gold in two weight classes simultaneously or consecutively
- His well-rounded skill set — above-average striking output combined with a consistent grappling threat — presents a complex stylistic challenge for any featherweight contender or champion
