Could Aljamain Sterling consider retirement after nearly beating Movsar Evloev at UFC 310? The former bantamweight champion does not seem to be interested in putting a streak of wins together to get back into featherweight title contention.
Over the last decade, Aljamain Sterling has been one of the UFC’s best fighters. During his run in the promotion, he has won 16 of 21 fights. Became the bantamweight champion in 2021 after going 11-3 in the division. And he’s successfully defended the belt three times, including a win over 135-pound legend TJ Dillashaw.
Related: UFC Featherweight Rankings: Movsar Evloev Rises After Big Win At UFC 310
However, after being knocked out by Sean O’Malley last year, the division great chose to step aside so pal Merab Dvalishvili could make a run at the belt. And “Funkmaster” moved on to 145 pounds. In his division debut, he scored a definitive win over top-10 stalwart Calvin Kattar. But over the weekend he took on a huge test in unbeaten contender Movsar Evloev.
Sterling very much held his own against the Russian for most of the three rounds. However, the similar wrestling talent and size took a toll and Sterling lost two of three rounds on all the judges’ scorecards. It was a setback that not only stopped his momentum but may have ended his career.
- Aljamain Sterling record: 24-5 (3 knockouts, 8 submissions)
Aljamain Sterling seriously considering retirement after UFC 310
“When we were in the backroom, I told the guys ‘I don’t really know what I’m going to do from here. At 35, I don’t know if I really wanna climb the ladder all over again,” Sterling said on his podcast this week. “I don’t want to say from scratch but the end goal is so much further. I’m at a point where it’s like, is that worth the time invested for the surgeries, the pain, the training, the sacrifice?
“Do I still have that fight to commit to doing that all the way up to the belt again?… It’s kind of making a decision. Do I continue or do I just help out the guys and help them get ready for their fights?
It would be surprising for Aljamain Sterling to retire with a couple of good years left in him. However, he makes a good point about everything a fighter has to put into preparation that makes it not worth the effort. The American is sure to take a lengthy hiatus while he contemplates his UFC future.
Related: Aljamain Sterling: ‘Thought I Might’ve Edged’ Out Win Vs. Movsar Evolev At UFC 310
