“I should’ve been informed earlier…” Ex-champ Aljamain Sterling clears air after being denied tickets for UFC 296 from Dana White & Co

Aljamain Sterling provides a provident on ticket mishap that kept him out of attending UFC 296.

“I should’ve been informed earlier…” Ex-champ Aljamain Sterling clears air after being denied tickets for UFC 296 from Dana White & Co

Aljamain Sterling snipes at Dana White and Co. for UFC 296 mishap (Source: IMAGO/Twitter)

Bantamweight Aljamain Sterling is no stranger to the waiting game. After his title loss to 17-1 Sean O’Malley, he has probed the idea of a rematch, but in vain. But UFC 296 was a whole new experience for the fighter, who had to stay stalled outside the T-Mobile Arena.

Sterling had expected to be at Las Vegas’s T-Mobile Arena for the 2023 final Pay-per-view event. But on arrival, his crew got notice that there were no more tickets. Sterling took to X to apologize to fans. Now, UFC CEO Dana White has also embedded in the situation. Check out what “FunkMaster” had to say on his YouTube channel:

I don’t know if that’s what someone told him [White], but no, I actually asked for tickets through the UFC channels and just, unfortunately—The worst part about it was not even the saying ‘no’ part, because obviously it’s a big event...We’re fighters coming in, they comp us for free, especially if there’s a relevant fighter in the weight class. Title fight, Belal Muhammad’s got to be their kind of a thing.So for me, there really wasn’t anything there, but I just wish either way, regardless, I think I should have been informed a little bit earlier...
Aljamain Sterling on his YouTube channel
YouTube video

When asked about Sterling’s situation, White had denied a direct hand in the mishap. The promotions’ helmsman had said that the fighter had sourced his tickets from a sponsor and hence he did not know if it got pulled. Consequently, Sterling refuted that claim.

FS Video

This is not the secluded incident where the fighter has been at the crossroads with White. Sterling, along with peer and sparring partner Merab Dvalishvili have squabbled with him before. This was regarding criticism faced over fighting dilemma between the two partners.

Aljamain Sterling apologizes to fans for ringside absence at UFC 296

Aljamain Sterling faced an excruciating waiting game yet again, at UFC 296. Attending the all-out welterweight affair in Las Vegas, Nevada the fighter and his crew were at a loss. They soon got to know that there were no more tickets left. And the point person of the detriment is yet again – Dana White.

Aljamain Sterling, who last lost to Sean O'Malley, couldn't attend UFC 296
Aljamain Sterling, who last lost to Sean O’Malley, couldn’t attend UFC 296 (Source: Twitter)

After his title skid at UFC 292 to Sean O’Malley, the 23-4 BJJ practitioner had induced a call for a rematch. But with O’Malley choosing #6 Marlon Vera for absolution, even White scuttered away from any support. Moreover, White had pitted him against close friend Merab Dvalishvili time and again, rather than a rematch; thus birthing a wrangle. Check out Sterling’s recent apology on his UFC 296 absence, on his Twitter account.

Sterling later added that he and his staff enjoyed watching the pay-per-view event at a rooftop bar. UFC officials attempted to rectify the situation, but Sterling had already left the arena when they attempted to contact him. FunkMaster later deliberated on the ticket mishap and White’s involvement on his YouTube channel.

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