Intends Sterling to Ascend to the Semi-Lightweight Division
Champion Aljamain Sterling (USA, 23-3) is Gunning for a Title Switch after UFC 292's Main Event
Get ready for a seismic shift in the UFC lightweight division when Aljamain Sterling, the current champ, squares off against Sean O'Malley at UFC 292 in Boston on August 19. Sterling's got big plans if he emerges victorious: he's hinting at a move up to featherweight and relinquishing his lightweight crown.
"I'm almost positive this will be my swan song in the lightweight division," Sterling shared. "If I take this one down, you can count on me moving up. Merab's time has come, and with age, it's getting tougher to shed all that weight. I suspect a weight class upgrade will be better for my stamina and health."
Sterling has good things to say about his buddy Merab Dvalishvili, a formidable force in the bantamweight division. Despite refusing a match with Dvalishvili under any circumstances, Sterling sees him as the only fighter worthy of taking his place:
"Merab is a relentless machine. He trains like a one-armed bandit, spars, and wrestles. It's off the charts! He's the one who'll likely claim the title."
While Sterling's shift to featherweight and the subsequent opening in the lightweight division might spark a heated scramble among eager contenders, it's worth noting that he's actually the bantamweight champion, not lightweight. If there were a vacancy in the lightweight division, Ilia Topuria, a prospective challenger, and Paddy Pimblett, an up-and-coming contender, could be in the running. Conversely, Dvalishvili is the reigning bantamweight champion, giving Sterling's declaration of his friend's champion worthy credentials a bit of a twist. Nevertheless, Sterling's intentions and Dvalishvili's place in the bantamweight division don't change the intrigue surrounding their respective divisions. Buckle up, fight fans—this ride is just getting started!
Merab Dvalishvili, the reigning bantamweight champion, could likely claim Sterling's lightweight crown if Aljamain Sterling, the current lightweight champion, moves up to featherweight, as he's hinted he will after his upcoming fight. Sterling sees Dvalishvili as the only fighter worthy of taking his place in the lightweight division. If there were a vacancy in the lightweight division, Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett could be potential contenders. Despite Sterling's shift to featherweight and Dvalishvili's position in the bantamweight division, the upcoming changes in both divisions promises an interesting ride for mixed-martial-arts fans.
