Aljamain Sterling has laid out his roadmap to the UFC featherweight title, issuing bold callouts to the division’s top contenders following his successful divisional debut. The former bantamweight champion, who earned a unanimous decision win over Brian Ortega in August, is ranked No. 5 and is targeting a championship opportunity in 2026.
In a series of interviews, Sterling has named Lerone Murphy, Yair Rodriguez, and Movsar Evloev as his preferred next opponents. His aggressive campaigning signals a clear intent to skip the queue in the crowded 145-pound division and fast-track himself towards a shot at the gold.
Strategic Callouts: Targeting the Rankings
Sterling’s callouts are a calculated attempt to secure the highest-impact fight available. He has shown particular interest in a bout with Britain’s Lerone Murphy, even suggesting a fight in Murphy’s hometown to facilitate the matchup. A victory over the highly-ranked Murphy would provide a strong argument for a title eliminator bout.
Not limiting his options, Sterling has also expressed willingness to face the explosive striking of former interim champion Yair Rodriguez or the grinding, undefeated wrestling of Movsar Evloev. This “anyone, anytime” approach is designed to pressure the UFC matchmakers into booking him against a top-tier name, keeping his momentum alive after the Ortega win.
Navigating the Featherweight Landscape
The featherweight title picture is currently in a state of flux. While Alexander Volkanovski remains a dominant champion, the next challenger is not clearly defined. Sterling’s move to featherweight adds a major new player to the mix—a former champion with elite grappling and proven championship experience.
Sterling has also weighed in on discussions around divisional legacy, recently defending former champion Ilia Topuria against critics. This engagement shows he is not just focused on fighting but is also inserting himself into the broader narrative of the weight class, positioning himself as a central figure in its future.
What’s Next for the Funk Master?
For Aljamain Sterling, the goal is unequivocal: a title shot in 2026. To get there, he needs one more signature victory against a top-five opponent. The UFC now faces an interesting decision—whether to book him against the surging Murphy, the dangerous Rodriguez, or the technical Evloev.
Whichever direction the promotion chooses, Sterling has made it clear he is ready. His successful debut at featherweight has revitalised his career, and his assertive callouts demonstrate he intends to be a major force in the division for the foreseeable future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Aljamain Sterling call out after his featherweight win?
Sterling has called out Lerone Murphy, Yair Rodriguez, and Movsar Evloev as potential next opponents as he seeks a fast track to the featherweight title.
What is Aljamain Sterling’s current UFC ranking?
Following his victory over Brian Ortega, Aljamain Sterling is ranked No. 5 in the official UFC featherweight rankings.
When does Aljamain Sterling want to fight for the title?
Sterling has stated his ambition to challenge for the UFC featherweight championship in 2026, contingent on securing another high-profile win.
How did Sterling perform in his featherweight debut?
He won a clear unanimous decision against former title challenger Brian Ortega in August 2025, successfully announcing his arrival in the new weight class.
Why is a fight with Lerone Murphy significant?
A fight with Lerone Murphy is significant as Murphy is a highly-ranked contender. A victory for Sterling would strongly bolster his case for a title shot, potentially ahead of other established contenders.
