UFC bantamweight star Aljamain Sterling is left reflecting on his future following a recent defeat against Movsar Evloev at UFC 310. The former champion lost the fight by unanimous decision, marking a difficult moment in his career as he contemplates the next steps.
In the bout held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Sterling faced a challenging opponent in Evloev, who remains undefeated with a record of 19-0. The fight was marked by intense grappling exchanges, where Sterling demonstrated his abilities against elite competition in the featherweight division. Despite a commendable performance, the outcome left him facing uncertainty regarding his aspirations for another title shot.
During a candid discussion on his YouTube channel, Sterling shared his internal struggle, saying, “I’m going to let you guys know I don’t really know what I’m going to do from here.” He expressed his hesitation about whether he would want to climb the competitive ladder once more in the bantamweight division, acknowledging the arduous journey ahead.
Having previously set the record for the most bantamweight title defenses with three, Sterling has experienced significant highs and lows in his career. Following his loss to Sean O’Malley at UFC 292 in August 2023, Sterling attempted to transition to the featherweight division, where he secured a notable victory against Calvin Kattar at UFC 300. However, the setback against Evloev has caused him to reassess his goals.
Sterling weighed the costs and benefits of continuing his career, saying, “I don’t want to say from scratch, but the end goal is so much further.” He highlighted the challenges of training and the physical toll it has taken on his body, expressing doubts about whether he has the drive to commit fully to the rigorous training required to compete for a title once again.
He mentioned, “Do I continue, or do I just help out the guys and help them get ready for their fights and whatnot and maybe just take fun fights?” This reflection signifies a potential shift in his approach to the sport, considering whether to focus on mentorship rather than seeking further competition.
Sterling’s situation is compounded by physical limitations as he stated, “I can’t train the way I used to. I used to do two, three training sessions a day. I can’t do that anymore.” This admission underscores the ongoing struggles elite fighters face with their bodies as they progress through their careers.
As he contemplates what lies ahead, Sterling remains open to possibilities, waiting to see how the UFC maps out his future. While he has no desire to retire just yet, he indicated that all options are on the table as he navigates this challenging moment in his career.
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