8. Aljamain Sterling’s New Chapter at Featherweight
When we see “The Funkmaster” at UFC 300, he should look different compared to what we’ve grown accustomed to.
The former bantamweight champion found his stride in 2018, going on a five fight win-streak to break into title contention and eventually claim UFC gold. While injuries and other odd turns of events would at times steal the narrative, his resume speaks volumes for itself as his resume is dotted with victories over elite foes such as Corey Sandhagen, Henry Cejudo, Petr Yan, and TJ Dillashaw.
But recency bias can be a pain even for the best fighters in the world. The loss of his title to Sean O’Malley marked the end of his time as a bantamweight, but it should be noted that the move was a long time coming before the bout was ever scheduled.
Now on the biggest stage of the year, Sterling has the opportunity and the right dance partner in Calvin Kattar to make a statement. Kattar is an exciting contender who is highly regarded in the featherweight division amongst pundits and fighters alike. Further, the title picture is expected to shake out later in the evening with longtime champion Max Holloway taking on Justin Gaethje. Should Holloway come up short, and Sterling be victorious, it’s quite possible that “The Funkmaster” would be on the short list of potential challengers for the belt who could be fighting in an eliminator for a title shot in his next contest.
After cementing his place as one of the best at bantamweight, starting the next chapter of his career with a win would be the perfect way to kick it off.
