The landscape of the UFC continues to evolve, with fighters often navigating complex paths to regain championship glory. This journey is momentarily obscured for former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling, as he finds himself relegated to the preliminary card of UFC 310. With a notable record of 24-4 in MMA and an impressive 16-4 in the UFC, Sterling’s match against undefeated Movsar Evloev (18-0 MMA) warrants more attention than it appears to receive, leading to a significant conversation about fight placements within the organization.
The bout between Sterling and Evloev, ranked No. 5 and No. 9 respectively in the featherweight division, is crucial for both fighters, yet it has been overshadowed by other matchups on the main card, like the clashes between Nate Landwehr and Doo-ho Choi, and Bryce Mitchell against Kron Gracie. Critics argue that this decision reflects a troubling trend wherein notable fighters are sidelined, regardless of their prior achievements. According to Chael Sonnen, a respected voice in MMA analysis, the UFC’s ranking system and fight order have overlooked Sterling’s value and potential for future championship contention.
Sonnen’s observations draw attention to an unsettling pattern in MMA. Historically, champions moving to new weight classes must often win one fight to secure a title shot. Sterling’s case, however, is perplexing. Having already won two fights in his new weight class, he faces an uphill battle for recognition. Sonnen’s comparison of Sterling’s situation with that of Alex Pereira and Kamaru Usman—both of whom experienced a more favorable transition into new divisions—highlights an inconsistency in how the UFC navigates these ranks. This inconsistency becomes an issue not just for Sterling, but potentially for the integrity of the championship pathways in the sport.
At 35 years old, Aljamain Sterling boasts a notable 10-1 record in his last 11 UFC outings, a statistic that amplifies the stakes for this fight. He is not merely a former champion; he is a seasoned fighter with a wealth of experience, including three title defenses. Yet, it appears that followed by a loss to Sean O’Malley, Sterling has faced undue skepticism regarding his capabilities moving forward. Many believe this preliminary placement hints at a broader narrative: champions, once dethroned, struggle to regain their footing in a competitive landscape that moves rapidly both in terms of talent and the audience’s interest.
As fans look towards UFC 310, there seems to be a collective acknowledgment that Aljamain Sterling deserves more than a spot on the preliminary card. His journey exemplifies the hard work and dedication that is often overlooked in the rush to showcase ‘new blood’ in the octagon. Elevating Sterling’s match against Evloev not only honors his past accomplishments but also enriches the UFC narrative, affirming the essence of competition: that champions may rise again and that their stories still hold value in a sport where the next headline is always just around the corner. Developers need to reconsider how they position fighters within the evolving ranks and to recognize the value of experienced champions, ensuring that their stories are not eclipsed but celebrated.