Aljamain Sterling is quick approaching his official transfer as much as featherweight but it surely might happen a lot ahead of anticipated.
‘Funk Grasp’ noticed his bantamweight title reign come to an finish final day trip when he was knocked out by Sean O’Malley. Previous to the loss, the grappler hadn’t misplaced in nearly six years and was on top-of-the-line successful runs within the historical past of the division.
Since dropping the belt, Sterling has been teasing a transfer up in weight to 145lbs and he could now have discovered his first opponent. Giga Chikadze, sadly, sustained an harm that has compelled him out of his battle at UFC 296, and it appears the Jamaican is intrigued on the prospect of stepping in in opposition to Josh Emmett.
Giga’s Out ❌
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Who’s prepared Dec sixteenth? #UFC296— JOSH EMMETT (@JoshEmmettUFC) December 4, 2023
Not solely did Aljamain Sterling retweet Emmett’s submit, however he additionally revealed his present walk-around weight which has raised hypothesis amongst followers.
I simply weighed out at 166.6 lbs. #JustSaying #FeatherweightFunk
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) December 5, 2023
If he does fill in for the injured Chikadze, Sterling has simply 11 days to make weight earlier than the battle will get underway. Emmett’s bout at present sits because the featured prelim however may very well be boosted to the principle card if the previous champion agrees to the short-notice affair.
Related: Aljamain Sterling announces move to featherweight
The Group Alpha Male mainstay is driving a two-fight dropping streak, with a kind of coming throughout his interim title fight again in February. Earlier than his two current defeats, the powerhouse was on a formidable 5 wins in a row and cemented himself as a real contender within the division.
What different opponent has been linked with welcoming Aljamain Sterling to featherweight?
Choices aren’t scarce for Sterling’s imminent transfer up in weight and a number of contenders are being linked with the previous bantamweight titleholder.
Whereas names like Calvin Kattar and the aforementioned Josh Emmett are being thrown round, the NCAA Division III wrestler beforehand set his sights on a former champion.
As his 145 debut attracts nearer with every passing day, a super-fight between Sterling and Max Holloway has been in dialogue. The 34-year-old known as for a ‘Blessed’ matchup in March.
