Aljamain Sterling Seeks Title Shot Against Alexander Volkanovski

The former UFC bantamweight champion is confident that his intelligence is the key to capturing the featherweight belt.

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has insisted that he deserves an opportunity to fight for the featherweight title against current champion Alexander Volkanovski.

“Give me the damn title shot! I’m smarter than all these guys,” Sterling said in his trademark emotional style. He also criticized Diego Lopes’ performance against Volkanovski, emphasizing that the Brazilian failed to build on his first fight against the Australian.

Sterling admits he does not rely on knockout power, but believes his fight IQ makes up for it. “I win with my brain. I’m smarter than most of these guys. I’m working on my striking — that showed against Brian Ortega,” he stressed.

The 37-year-old American moved up to featherweight after losing his bantamweight belt to Sean O'Malley via second-round TKO. Since then, he has recorded wins over Calvin Kattar and Ortega, but suffered a defeat to Movsar Evloev.

Nevertheless, Sterling believes that his experience and tactical maturity make him the most deserving contender to face Volkanovski next in a featherweight title fight.