Former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has expressed frustration over his position in the featherweight division, accusing the promotion of matchmaking against him. In a recent interview, he called for a title shot against Alexander Volkanovski, emphasizing his experience and willingness to fight top contenders. Sterling highlighted his recent victories and criticized other fighters like Diego Lopes for underperforming in opportunities.
Aljamain Sterling, a former UFC bantamweight champion with three title defenses, has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the UFC's handling of his career since moving up to the 145-pound featherweight division in 2023 following a loss to Sean O’Malley. Sterling claims the promotion's decision-makers want him to lose, pointing to matchmaking that pairs him with opponents they believe can defeat him.
In an interview with MMA Fighting after his victory over Benson Henderson at RAF 6 on Saturday, February 28, 2026, Sterling demanded a featherweight title shot against champion Alexander Volkanovski. He described it as an "OG vs. OG" matchup, underscoring his longevity in the sport since 2014. "I’ve been doing this for a long time, been with the company since 2014. I’ve been calling my shot," Sterling said. "Defended my belt the most in the bantamweight division, tied with a couple other greats like Merab Dvalishvili, consecutive title defenses. Give me my f*cking shot. I deserve a shot at the title."
Sterling, who is 2-1 at featherweight with his most recent UFC win coming via unanimous decision over Brian Ortega at UFC Shanghai in August 2025, criticized the UFC for granting Diego Lopes a rematch with Volkanovski just 10 months after his initial loss. "I’m smarter than all these dumb motherf*ckers out there," he said, adding that Lopes performed worse in the rematch despite hurting Volkanovski in the first fight. Sterling emphasized his strategic approach over knockout power, stating, "I win with this [points to his brain]."
He expressed readiness to face any opponent to earn his shot, naming Yair Rodriguez, Jean Silva, and Youssef Zalal as potential bouts he would accept. "I’ve never turned down anybody," Sterling noted. However, upcoming fights like undefeated Movsar Evloev—whom Sterling has previously lost to—versus Lerone Murphy at UFC London appear positioned as a title eliminator, potentially delaying his opportunity.
Throughout his career, Sterling has had tensions with UFC executives, including comments from Dana White that he "can’t get out of his own way," which he discussed with UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell. Despite this, Sterling remains determined. "Give me a f*cking title shot and I’m gonna prove them wrong again," he insisted.
