In a series of interviews, Sterling has mentioned Lerone Murphy, Jair RodriguezAnd Movsar Evloev as his favorite next opponents. His aggressive campaigning signals a clear intention to skip the queue in the crowds 145 pounds division and quickly on its way to a shot at gold.
Strategic highlights: focused on the rankings
Sterling’s callouts are a calculated attempt to secure the fight with the biggest impact. He has shown particular interest in a fight with Britain Lerone Murphyeven suggesting a fight in Murphy’s hometown to facilitate the match. A win over the highly ranked Murphy would make a strong argument for a title eliminator fight.
Sterling has not limited his options but has also expressed his willingness to face the former interim champion’s explosive attack Jair Rodriguez or the grinding, undefeated wrestling of Movsar Evloev. This “anyone, anytime” approach is intended to put pressure on the UFC matchmakers to book him against a top name, keeping his momentum alive after Ortega’s win.
Navigate through the feather-light landscape
The feather-light title photo is currently in a state of flux. While Alexander Volkanovsky remains a dominant champion, the next challenger not clearly defined. Sterling’s move to featherweight adds a major new player to the mix: a former champion with elite wrestling and proven championship experience.
Sterling has also taken part in discussions about the division’s legacy, recently defending former champions Ilia Topuria against critics. This involvement shows that he is not just focused on fighting, but also inserting himself into the broader narrative of the weight class, positioning himself as a central figure in its future.
What’s next for the Funk Master?
For Aljamain Sterlingthe purpose is unambiguous: a title shot in 2026. To get there, he needs one more signature win against a top-five opponent. The UFC now faces an interesting decision: whether to book him against the rising Murphy, the dangerous Rodriguez or the technical Evloev.
Whatever direction the promotion takes, Sterling has made it clear he is ready. His successful debut at featherweight has revitalized his career, and his assertive statements show that he plans to be a major force in the division for the foreseeable future.
Frequently asked questions
Who did Aljamain Sterling shout out after his featherweight win?
Sterling called out Lerone Murphy, Jair RodriguezAnd Movsar Evloev as potential next opponents as he looks for a fast track to the featherweight title.
What is Aljamain Sterling’s current UFC rankings?
After his victory over Brian Ortega, Aljamain Sterling is on the rankings No. 5 in the official UFC featherweight rankings.
When does Aljamain Sterling want to fight for the title?
Sterling has expressed his ambition to challenge for the UFC Featherweight Championship in 2026dependent on securing another high-profile victory.
How did Sterling perform in his featherweight debut?
He won flawlessly unanimous decision against former title challenger Brian Ortega in August 2025, successfully announcing his arrival in the new weight class.
Why is a fight with Lerone Murphy important?
A battle with Lerone Murphy is important because Murphy is a highly ranked contender. A win for Sterling would greatly strengthen his case for a title shot, possibly ahead of other established contenders.
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