Aljamain Sterling Calls Out Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski After Dominating UFC Shanghai Performance

Former 135lbs kingpin Aljamain Sterling calls out Alexander Volkanovski after UFC Shanghai win against Brian Ortega.

Aljamain Sterling Calls Out Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski After Dominating UFC Shanghai Performance

Aljamain Sterling calls out Alexander Volkanovski after UFC Shanghai win (via MMA Fighting, UFC)

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The UFC Fight Night event in Shanghai was an entertaining night for fans. The occasion included highlight reel knockouts, controversial strikes, and dominating decision wins. The co-main event fight between Aljamain Sterling and Brian Ortega showcased the former 135lbs kingpin, technically dismantling Ortega and gaining the unanimous decision over ‘T-City’.

However, ‘Funkmaster’ wasted no time in calling out featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski after his victory. In his 3rd featherweight outing, Sterling put on a dominant performance against Ortega and landed 124 out of 227 significant strikes while also taking down his opponent 3 times.

The fight was expected to be an equally matched chess match, but it failed to deliver on the excitement scale after a lackluster performance from Ortega. After the victory, Sterling highlighted his accomplishments and made his case for a shot at the 145lbs title.

I came to featherweight, I think I did my damn thing. I got the really tough dude who fought for the belt twice. Respect. Volkanovski is the f***ing man, and I would love an opportunity to fight for the belt again

Aljamain Sterling via the UFC Shanghai Octagon interview

The UFC Shanghai co-main event was already surrounded by major controversy, as the fight was set at the featherweight limit of 146 pounds. However, Ortega missed weight, and the fight was declared “canceled”. Shortly after, the UFC announced that the fight was rescheduled at a catchweight of 153 pounds under the lightweight limit.

Sterling, known for his elite grappling and dominant strength, overpowered ‘T-City’ in every aspect of the fight, winning every round. ‘Funkmaster’ got himself back in the win column after a loss to Movsar Evloev at UFC 310 in December 2024. He moved up in weight after losing the bantamweight title to Sean O’Malley at UFC 292 in 2023.

The dominant victory against Ortega guaranteed a top-five spot in the featherweight rankings for the ‘Funkmaster’. Sterling positioned himself firmly in the mix for a matchup against Volkanovski. However, for Ortega, the result raised serious questions about his future, as the weight cut issues and lack of output left him with just one win in his last five appearances.

Aljamain Sterling talks about a potential fight against Sean O’Malley at featherweight

Sterling had an impressive championship run at bantamweight and racked up wins over former champions such as Henry Cejudo and TJ Dillashaw. However, his dominant reign was ended after a loss to O’Malley at UFC 292. However, this also paved the way for his teammate and bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili to defeat O’Malley and earn championship gold.

Aljamain Sterling vs Sean O'Malley
Aljamain Sterling vs Sean O’Malley (via MMA Fighting)

Sterling was seen answering questions before the UFC Shanghai event and spoke on a potential rematch with ‘Suga’ at 145 pounds. He was asked if fighting O’Malley is of any interest for future matchups by a reporter. However, ‘Funkmaster’ showed a lot of interest in a potential fight.

I would love that rematch. I think there is a lot of history there, and it would make for good TV. I feel like I’ve won just by getting to watch Merab beat him twice, but if he ever decides to come up, there’s a lot of history there

Aljamain Sterling via UFC Shanghai press conference

However, O’Malley has since then announced that he is on a break from fighting. Their fight stands as a defining moment in recent UFC history, underscoring both the unforgiving nature of the sport and the constant evolution of its championship landscape. It remains to be seen what is next in the future for both ‘Suga’ and the ‘Funkmaster’

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