Aljamain Sterling is pushing hard for a title shot in the UFC featherweight division following his decisive victory over Youssef Zalal. The former bantamweight champion displayed his grappling prowess, ending Zalal's nine-fight unbeaten streak and claiming his second consecutive win at featherweight. With only one loss at this weight class and a newly signed contract with the UFC, Sterling believes he is the most deserving candidate for a title bout against champion Alexander Volkanovski. He argues that while Movsar Evloev is a worthy contender, the fan engagement and storyline behind a fight with him are stronger.

By the Numbers
  • Sterling now has two consecutive wins in the featherweight division.
  • He entered the Zalal fight ranked No. 5 in the official UFC rankings.
Yes, But

While Sterling has compelling arguments for a title shot, Movsar Evloev's undefeated record (20-0 overall, 10-0 in the UFC) and victory over Sterling in late 2024 present a significant counterpoint. There is ongoing debate about what constitutes a deserving candidate and what the fans truly want to see in championship bouts.

State of Play
  • Sterling is vying to supplant Evloev as the front-runner for a title shot against Volkanovski.
  • Evloev has yet to secure a fight and remains in contention despite a recent win over Sterling.
What's Next

Sterling could potentially secure a title shot based on performance metrics that UFC president Dana White has emphasized. Alternatively, if Evloev is prioritized for the next shot due to their head-to-head result, Sterling may need another impressive showing to regain momentum.

Bottom Line

Fans and UFC officials should consider the excitement and narrative potential of a Sterling-Volkanovski matchup, as Sterling's recent performances and marketability may outweigh Evloev's undefeated status, ultimately setting the stage for a compelling title fight.