Aljamain Sterling aiming for Max Holloway super fight
It seems the former bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling, is looking for a big-name fight. He’s called out the fan-favorite former featherweight champion Max Holloway in the most respectful way.
.@BlessedMMA From riding the bus together in December 2015, talking about what’s next and training together for my first visit to Hawaii- it would be an absolute honor to step in the octagon with you. Respectfully.
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) December 6, 2023
It seems a move to featherweight is inevitable for “The Funkmaster,” as he’s called for a fight with Holloway. Sterling is the former bantamweight champion who lost his title to Sean O’Malley. He’s made it clear that the weight cut to 135 was tough and a move up would happen. This would also pave a path for his teammate, Merab Dvalishvili, to fight for the title.
Aljamain Sterling at 145
As mentioned, Aljamain Sterling has been eyeing 145 for a long time. When he was the champ, he said that a fight with Alexander Volkanovski would interest him greatly as a champ vs. champ matchup. After losing to O’Malley he’s changed his tune saying, “Imagine what Volk would have done.”
It is clear that Sterling is still a student of the game and wants to improve as he moves up to 145.
An Aljamain Sterling-Max Holloway fight is tantalizing. Sterling is one of bantamweights most accomplished fighters. He’s dethroned Petr Yan unceremoniously, beat him decidedly, and notched wins over TJ Dillashaw and Henry Cejudo.
Holloway is in the twilight of his career and one of featherweights best ever. Jose Aldo, Frankie Edgar, The Korean Zombie, Anthony Pettis and Charles Oliveira are all wins under his belt. Adding Sterling to that resume could lure him into a super fight.
In addition, the matchup is intriguing. Max Holloway is notoriously hard to takedown. Aljamain Sterling out wrestled Henry Cejudo, an Olympic gold medalist. Can Aljamain Sterling impose his will on Max Holloway? Those questions are what makes the sport of mixed martial arts so fun.
Of course, this is all public negotiations and who and when Sterling fights next remains to be seen. With Holloway aiming for Justin Gaethje, interests may be in different directions.
