Aljamain Sterling, the former UFC Bantamweight Champion, is set to make his highly anticipated featherweight debut at the milestone event UFC 300: Pereira vs Hill on April 13. With a flawless record of never missing weight in over a decade at bantamweight, Sterling has consistently demonstrated both physical and mental discipline, mastering the scale 19 times without fail.
In 2021, Sterling reached the pinnacle of his bantamweight career by clinching the UFC championship, which he defended three times, setting division records along the way. However, following a title loss to Sean O’Malley in 2023, Sterling, now 34, decided to pivot to the featherweight class, facing veteran fighter Calvin Kattar in his first featherweight match.
This move comes as part of UFC 300, a historic event filled with top-tier talent including 12 former or current champions, where Sterling aims to prove his capabilities at 145 pounds. "This is what dreams are made of," Sterling remarked, emphasizing the significance of the event and his enthusiasm for his new weight class.
The upcoming bout with Kattar is particularly intriguing. Kattar, known for his robust boxing skills and resilience, last fought in October 2022, recovering from a knee injury. Sterling plans to challenge Kattar’s grappling defenses, believing his own wrestling background will provide a distinct advantage.
With less focus on stringent weight management, Sterling is enjoying a more fulfilling training regime—boosting his energy, recovery, and technique focus. As he transitions to a heavier weight class, Sterling is eager to showcase his evolved skill set and potentially carve out a new legacy in the featherweight division.