Aljamain Sterling wants to clarify his position regarding his disagreement with Diego Lopes, the headliner of UFC 314 and future featherweight title contender.
Lopes is scheduled to compete against Alexander Volkanovski for the vacant UFC featherweight title as the main event on April 12 in Miami. Sterling, a former bantamweight champion now in the 145-pound division, respects Lopes’ achievements but maintains his belief that Movsar Evloev, Sterling’s recent opponent, was a more deserving challenger.
“I was surprised because I believed the fighter who defeated Lopes at UFC 288 should have been given the title opportunity, especially considering his two fights that year,” Sterling mentioned to MMA Fighting while previewing his brother Kelvin’s upcoming fight at LFA 204. “[Evloev] fought twice in 2024, defeated a former champion in a close match, but still secured the win. Diego had an impressive fight against Brian Ortega, but I’m not the decision-maker.”
“Evidently, his fighting style is more appealing to fans, which I believe played a role. Also, he accepted the fight on short notice, and I respect Diego for that. No fighter in their right mind would decline a title shot because they think someone else is more deserving. He may not be the most deserving, but he is very exciting and has rapidly made his mark in the sport. It will undoubtedly be an exciting fight. I anticipate Volkanovski winning unless Diego can land an early decisive blow.”
Nonetheless, Sterling still believes different matchmaking would have been more appropriate than the UFC’s decision.
“Ideally, I thought Volkanovski should have faced Movsar, and perhaps myself against Lopes, or Lopes versus Yair Rodriguez, to keep the division active,” Sterling explained. “Because when someone seemingly jumps the line, while others are defeating contenders, it leads to a situation without clear win streaks for top contenders. That’s my perspective on the situation.”
“By the way, it’s going to be a fantastic title fight. I’ll be watching, and hopefully, I can get tickets to attend. I’d like to see it live, may the best fighter win, and Jason House [Lopes’ manager] can, well, you know.”
Sterling references Lopes’ manager due to a series of exchanges on Twitter between himself, Lopes, and House, where Sterling voiced his opinion about Evloev being more deserving.
Weeks later, Sterling remains puzzled by the escalation of the situation, but acknowledges the unpredictable nature of the fight industry.
“Someone asked me who was most deserving, and I said Movsar,” Sterling clarified. “But I also stated that Diego isn’t wrong for taking the title fight. If it’s offered, you accept it. It’s a golden opportunity to transform your life: significant exposure, potential championship pay-per-view earnings, and all the benefits associated with becoming a champion.”
“I’m unsure how they misinterpreted my tweet as bitterness or negativity. They initiated a back-and-forth, and I responded, ‘Jason, you’re an insider in this company and involved in questionable practices that are widely discussed privately.’ I’m not trying to expose anyone’s secrets, but I’m saying, ‘If you want to engage, we can, but don’t try to blacklist me from events because you dislike my truthful opinions.’ I suppose he might have perceived my comments as a threat.”
Regardless of the interpretation, Sterling is not seeking a conflict with House or any manager, especially outside of the octagon and without financial incentive.
“I don’t get paid to fight managers,” Sterling stated. “I don’t get paid to fight anyone outside the octagon. So, there’s no issue. I even told Diego that I’ve been very respectful. So, it is what it is. If they have something to say, we can discuss it in person like adults and resolve it.”
This Saturday, Sterling plans to watch his brother Kelvin compete but is also focused on his own return to the octagon. With Ilia Topuria relinquishing the featherweight title to move to lightweight, Sterling sees an opportunity in the division.
Following a close and exciting fight with Evloev, Sterling is confident he can compete with the best featherweights and hopes his next fight reflects this.
“I’m excited about the future,” Sterling said. “I’m still awaiting an opponent, still waiting for a name. Ideally, it’s someone exciting. Fighting lesser-known, up-and-coming fighters at this stage of my career isn’t particularly motivating. It’s just a paycheck.
“But I’m seeking fights that make you anxious, the ones that excite you, the ones you worry about where you think, ‘I’m not sure what will happen, but I’ll give it my all.’ That’s what I’ve always aimed for. I want to fight another highly ranked opponent and see if I can still compete at this level in this division.”
