Aljamain Sterling Outlines Future as Movsar Evloev in Lead for Title Shot Against Alexander Volkanovski

Aljamain Sterling gets real regarding his chances at a title shot following UFC Vegas 116 win over Youssef Zalal.

Aljamain Sterling Outlines Future as Movsar Evloev in Lead for Title Shot Against Alexander Volkanovski

Aljamain Sterling talks about potential title picture (via MMA Fighting, BBC)

In Short
  • Aljamain Sterling is open to a title shot against Alexander Volkanovski but acknowledges Movsar Evloev deserves his opportunity.
  • Sterling recently defeated Youssef Zalal, reinforcing his status as a contender in the featherweight division.
  • Evloev remains undefeated and has previously defeated Sterling, complicating Sterling's claim for a title shot.

Becoming a two-division UFC champion has long been a rare feat reserved for a small group of elite fighters. In recent years, more champions have moved between weight classes seeking new opportunities. Aljamain Sterling has taken a different route, choosing to face featherweight contenders after losing his bantamweight title. He recently gave a reality check about his standing in the current title picture.

Sterling was a successful bantamweight champion with multiple title defenses and strong wins over top contenders. His reign highlighted grappling control, fight IQ, and consistency in five-round bouts. After losing his title to Sean O’Malley at UFC 292, he moved up to featherweight to compete at a more comfortable weight. He most recently defeated Youssef Zalal at UFC Vegas 116 to make a statement.

Movsar Evloev remains undefeated and recently made a statement at UFC London by defeating Lerone Murphy in a No.1 contender-style matchup. The win strengthened his position in the featherweight title race. After his victory over Youssef Zalal, Sterling was vocal about wanting a title shot. However, in the post-fight press conference, ‘Funkmaster’ was clear about where he stands in the current title scenario.

You guys all watched Movsar [Evloev] vs. Lerone Murphy and I’m just saying I let the fans decide. I let the UFC brass decide, I do think Movsar deserves it. If the UFC matchmakers do offer me the opportunity, I’m not going to say no. I’m not going to say, ‘This guy deserves it more’. If they offer the title shot to me, then hell yeah I’m taking it. I’m going to give it everything I’ve got until the wheels falls off. I think it’s a fight that everybody would love to see. Two OGs of the sport. Why not? It just makes a whole lot of sense.

Aljamain Sterling via UFC Vegas 116 post fight press conference

Sterling has been vocal about earning a shot against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski since his win over former title challenger Brian Ortega at UFC Shanghai in August 2025. That victory strengthened his claim as a contender and kept him in the title conversation. The bout also came with a setback, as Sterling suffered an elbow injury from a misplaced spinning elbow during the fight.

However, it may not be logical for the UFC to offer Sterling a title shot over Movsar Evloev, given their history and current standings. Evloev has already defeated Sterling in his second featherweight outing via unanimous decision at UFC 310. In that fight, Evloev countered the grappling exchanges by ending up on top in all rounds, and neutralized Sterling’s offensive attempts to secure a clear win.

Aljamain Sterling’s recent comments reflect his belief that the best should fight the best, regardless of rankings or matchmaking direction. He has also called out the UFC after booking Alexander Volkanovski for a rematch against Diego Lopes at UFC 325 despite Volk’s clear win in their first meeting. This has kept Sterling active in the title conversation. It remains to be seen what comes next for the ‘Funkmaster’.

Aljamain Sterling asks Alexander Volkanovski not to underestimate his ground game

Alexander Volkanovski is regarded as one of the most complete champions in the UFC, with his fights often turning into tactical affairs for opponents. Despite his smaller size, he has consistently performed well against larger fighters. This was evident in his first fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 284. Although he lost, it was seen as one of the toughest fights of the Dagestani champion’s career.

Aljamain Sterling talks about Isaac Dulgarian case
Aljamain Sterling (via talkSport)

Aljamain Sterling’s wrestling remains central to his game, built on years of grappling success and control. In his recent bout against Youssef Zalal, he nearly secured a submission while maintaining dominant positions throughout the fight. The performance reinforced his reliance on grappling and his ability to dictate where the fight takes place. It also set up his warning about the challenges he brings.

Islam had his back, and you saw when I had Youssef’s back. When I fought Movsar, I had his back but he did something really smart. He held my hands and didn’t give me the opportunity to open up and strike. I think that’s the difference. Volkanovski, when he got his back taken by Islam in that first fight, he was the one doing damage from having his back taken. That’s the difference between a guy like that and a guy like me. It’s just a different skill set. I’m not disrespecting Islam. I just bring a different problem, a different set of skills.

Aljamain Sterling via UFC News

Sterling’s wrestling credentials include a two-time NCAA Division III All-American record and an 87–27 collegiate record, which form the foundation of his MMA style. He is also a BJJ black belt under Matt Serra and has recorded multiple submission wins across his career. His grappling success has translated into the UFC, where he holds one of the strongest control-based resumes in lower weight classes.

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