Aljamain Sterling feels the Ultimate Fighting Championship intends for him to decline in the featherweight rankings.
Sterling has experienced persistent disagreements with UFC management. During his tenure as the bantamweight titleholder, White publicly stated that “Funk Master” was his own worst enemy. Sterling raised this concern with Hunter Campbell, the UFC’s chief business officer, during discussions for a bout, yet the underlying friction seems to persist.
In a conversation with MMAFighting.com, Sterling firmly asserted his entitlement to a championship opportunity at 145 pounds or a match to determine the top contender. Sterling suspects that he is frequently paired against adversaries whom UFC fight organizers believe possess a strong likelihood of overcoming him.
“I’m unsure what more is expected of me,” Sterling declared. “Should you wish to arrange a fight with Yair Rodriguez, I’m prepared. If you prefer Jean Silva, I’ll compete against him. If Youssef Zalal is the choice, I’m ready. I have never declined an opponent. The promotion inquires about my desired opponents, then assigns me someone entirely different, seemingly with the intent of seeing me defeated.
“That is how I view the situation. Their viewpoint might differ, but from where I stand, when you ask me who I wish to face, and I provide a name that presents a favorable stylistic pairing for myself, only for you to then present a different fighter, what conclusion am I to draw? Perhaps that I am not favored for this position, yet I consistently defy their expectations. Grant me a damn championship bout, and I will once again demonstrate their error.”
Sterling’s last appearance in the Octagon occurred in August 2025. He secured a unanimous decision victory over Brian Ortega. This win brought “Funk Master’s” record to an even 2-2 across his previous four contests.
Do you concur with Aljamain Sterling’s assertions, or do you believe his actions are not advantageous to his career? Share your thoughts in the comment section beneath.
