[autotag]Aljamain Sterling[/autotag] is eying a return – but it has to happen under proper circumstances.
With the coronavirus pandemic interfering with the daily lives of just about everyone, UFC bantamweight contender Sterling (18-3 MMA, 10-3 UFC) isn’t willing to accept a fight right now. It would be irresponsible for him to do so given his current conditions.
“If I was told I’d have to fight this month, it’d absolutely not happen – absolutely not happen,” Sterling told MMA Junkie. “My gym is a very small gym. I don’t have training partners. … There’s no real adequate training to get to a fight the right way or on top of that, maintaining your proper nutrition so you can lose weight. I’m walking around this morning at 164 (pounds). Early this week, I was 168. I’m trying to get my weight back down to stabilize around 160 again.”
While numerous fighters have raised their hands on social media, volunteering to take a fight amidst coronavirus, Sterling has publicly confirmed the opposite stance. In his eyes, “yes men” fighters are making an uncalculated impulse decision. As a result, they’ll think the UFC owes them a favor. History has shown that to be false, Sterling said.
“I love how these other guys are being these yes men and trying to sound all cool,” Sterling said. “… Anyone can say, ‘Yeah, I’ll just take the fight.’ But are you doing yourself the best possible favor by just taking a fight? Absolutely not. If you’re going to just say, ‘I’m going to take a fight,’ because you think it’s going to put you in the good graces of the UFC brass, I think you’re really diluted in the head.
“You need to reevaluate the lessons we’ve seen from previous fighters from different eras of the game. I like to think it’s nice to learn from your forefathers instead of making the same mistakes that they made thinking the UFC owes them anything. They don’t owe anybody jack (expletive).”
[lawrence-related id=502172,490896,490477]
Presently, Sterling is as close as he’s ever been to a UFC title shot. In a stacked 135-pound division, Sterling is on a shortlist of fighters who could get the next crack at title gold. Sterling doesn’t think he’ll miss out by passing on any fight offers.
“Petr Yan and Marlon Moraes are not fighting until June 13,” Sterling said. “They have a lot of time for this thing to figure itself out. They’ve got all of April. They’ve got all of May. Then they have two weeks into June. They’ve got time. … When it comes to other professional athletes, this isn’t even a fraction of the life-changing money that those guys make in their respective sports. I don’t see any rush to jump the gun and worry about losing a spot right now.”
Sterling admitted he would take a UFC title fight if it was offered, but encouraged fighters to weigh risk versus reward. He acknowledged the coronavirus pandemic’s seriousness and would take that into account during his decision-making process. In the end, it’s health over money, Sterling said.
“I’m worried about my health,” Sterling said. “I’m worried about my close family and friends’ health. I think those guys all come first. At the end of the day, money ain’t going to bring somebody back from the grave. If that’s your end-all be-all, then more power to you. Everyone has their own perspective, wishes, and things they want to accomplish. If they think fighting in a time like this is going to be beneficial to them, more power to you. Again, I think it’s ill-advised. You’re putting yourself at risk.
“… We’ll see what happens. I’m not worried about anybody jumping this queue because I’m pretty confident in my abilities and my position. One fight changes everything.”
[vertical-gallery id=413480]
[vertical-gallery id=384584]