Aljamain Sterling Recalls Almost Getting ‘Jumped’ by Nurmagomedov Brothers

Merab Dvalishvili's teammate, Aljamain Sterling, talks about Umar Nurmagomedov's overconfidence by revealing a behind-the-scene incident.

Aljamain Sterling Recalls Almost Getting ‘Jumped’ by Nurmagomedov Brothers

Aljamain Sterling calls out Umar and Usman Nurmagomedov for having overconfidence (via X)

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Following his retirement, Khabib Nurmagomedov dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of Dagestani fighters. This group features Islam Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov, and Usman Nurmagomedov all carrying forward Khabib’s dominant legacy. Earlier this year, Umar missed his chance to capture UFC gold, a setback Aljamain Sterling believes has clear and understandable reasons.

At the co-main event of UFC 311, Umar Nurmagomedov entered as the heavy betting favorite but lost against Merab Dvalishvili. The Dagestani was overwhelmed inside the Octagon, eventually suffering a unanimous decision defeat against the relentless cardio machine. 

Recently, Dvalishvili’s teammate and former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling discussed Nurmagomedov’s loss while speaking with Daniel Cormier on his YT channel. During the conversation, Sterling recalled meeting the Nurmagomedov brothers in Abu Dhabi and warning them about Dvalishvili, which sparked immediate hostility.

I said, but brother, just knowing when you guys fight, he’s going to be looking to shoot on you a hundred times. And then, Usman is over there playing a video game on his phone. He turns, he goes, and then he will defend a hundred times. It’s me and my fiancée. I’m like, It’s two against one. I’m about to get ganged up on right now by the brothers, the Nurmagomedov Brothers. And all for just having, just giving him insight. I was giving him insight… I hope you’re not overconfident about this fight.

Aljamain Sterling via YouTube 

Throughout the UFC title fight buildup, Nurmagomedov mocked Dvalishvili’s relentless pedigree, though he successfully stuffed many takedown attempts. Early in the bout, Nurmagomedov’s striking seemed sharp and effective, but as the rounds progressed, Dvalishvili’s relentless pressure overwhelmed him.

The Georgian fighter then openly mocked Umar inside the Octagon, in front of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov seated cageside. Following the tough unanimous decision loss, Umar revealed he had injured his hand early, though Dvalishvili dismissed it as an excuse.

Rubbing salt into wounds, the Georgian confidently declared the fight the easiest of his career, calling it nothing more than sparring. Their rivalry remains heated, with Dvalishvili openly wishing Nurmagomedov loses again during his highly anticipated next bout at UFC 321.

Aljamain Sterling deserves the featherweight title shot next? 

The UFC featherweight division is currently volatile, lacking a clear title contender, which has created uncertainty and constant heated debates. Aljamain Sterling has openly called out reigning champion Alexander Volkanovski demanding a title shot and intensifying drama in the stacked weight class.

Aljamain Sterling wants the title shot next
Aljamain Sterling wants the title shot next (via X)

Meanwhile, fighters like Yair Rodriguez, Movsar Evloev, and Lerone Murphy are equally vocal, each claiming a rightful contendership. Their ongoing online battles and heated exchanges have amplified the drama, leaving fans divided about who truly deserves a championship opportunity.

Sterling transitioned into the featherweight division after ruling the bantamweight division, achieving a 2-1 record that establishes him as a serious threat. His longtime coach, Ray Longo, recently backed him strongly during an interview, insisting ‘Funk Master’ deserves the championship shot next.

I think Aljo one million percent deserves the fight.  don’t think he’ll get the fight. If I’m Aljo, I’m licking my chops at this point. He’s in a really good spot. Look, Aljo, he’s an intelligent dude. He makes his case – former champion. He basically hasn’t lost at 145. I mean, that Movsar fight was razor thin, could have went either direction. They had that guy as the top of the top. So, what are we talking about. Give the guy a title shot.

Ray Longo via Anik & Florian Podcast

At the end of last year, Aljamain Sterling had a razor-close fight with Evloev, sparking debate among fans about the controversial judge’s decision. Following their fight, Sterling and Evloev engaged in a heated back-and-forth on X.

Evloev has waited patiently for a title shot, believing his undefeated career gives him the edge over other rising contenders. However, he has lost momentum after pulling out from his fight against Aaron Pico this year. This led to Lerone Murphy vs. Pico at UFC 319, where the UK sensation proved his contender status.

Sterling, however, remains unshaken and has also publicly called out Diego Lopes after the Brazilian’s impressive victory at Noche UFC. The former champion insists that beating a former title contender like Lopes would cement his place as the rightful next challenger for gold.

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