Former UFC champion Aljamain Sterling is entering a reflective but determined phase of his career, and he is not shy about saying exactly what he wants next.
In recent months, Sterling has become increasingly vocal about his position in the sport. From frustrations with UFC inactivity to broader concerns about fighter momentum, the former bantamweight king has leaned into honesty, a move that has earned him respect across the MMA community.
In 2026 Sterling’s path at featherweight remains uncertain, but far from bleak. At 36, he holds a 2-1 record in the division, with his lone loss coming in a razor-close fight against Movsar Evloev. Sterling knows time is not on his side, and that urgency is shaping his mindset.
“I’m just here for a good time,” Sterling told MMA Junkie and other reporters. “I don’t have much time left in the tank, so I got to get it going if I want to try to get another belt. I have to start now. I hope they don’t ice me again like they did last year. One fight for the year, that was tough. I would like to get two or three this year. That’s the goal.”
Sterling fought just once in 2025, earning a unanimous decision win over Brian Ortega. While the victory mattered, the lack of activity didn’t sit well with him. As he moves deeper into the final stretch of his career, Sterling believes staying active is non-negotiable if he wants to remain a real title threat.
Potential matchups have surfaced, but nothing concrete has materialized. Sterling downplayed rumors of a fight with Yousef Zalal, noting timing issues and personal ties, while expressing interest in higher-stakes opponents.
“There were rumblings,” Sterling said. “Me and Zalal are boys, so I hit him up and was like, ‘They’re doing us dirty, what’s up with this?’ He can’t fight in April anyway because of Ramadan, so I don’t know what’s going to happen. I’m kind of the odd man out. I would’ve loved a Lerone fight or an Evloev rematch, or even Diego Lopes. Yair is injured right now, so maybe that’s the one they make.”
Much of Sterling’s immediate future could hinge on the UFC 325 main event, where Alexander Volkanovski defends the featherweight title against Diego Lopes. Sterling is watching closely and already thinking ahead.
“I would imagine so,” Sterling said when asked if the result impacts his next move. “I’d like to see Volkanovski win, one of the OGs get it done again. But beating a guy like Lopes twice is tough, especially at this stage of Volk’s career. I can see Lopes getting it done, but I’m pulling for Volk. Let the best man win. I’ll be there waiting.”
For Sterling, the message is clear. He wants fights, he wants momentum, and he wants one last serious run at UFC gold. Whether the promotion meets that urgency could define the final chapter of his career.
