LAS VEGAS – Despite landing on the prelims, Aljamain Sterling feels he has a very consequential fight at UFC 310.
The former UFC bantamweight champion takes on undefeated featherweight contender Movsar Evloev in what many have labeled an under-the-radar fight in the final UFC pay-per-view of the year (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN2, Hulu, ESPN+) – which takes place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena.
Sterling (24-4 MMA, 16-4 UFC) is aware there are other names angling to get a shot at the belt, but believes his name will be in that discussion if he beats Evloev (18-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC).
“The path (to the title) is dominate Movsar,” Sterling said at Wednesday’s UFC 310 media day. “I dominate Movsar, and I think I take care of a lot of issues outside of things I can’t really control. I can only control my performance. The UFC is going to say who they want to fight for the belt next, and hopefully, it gives me a shot if I go out there and do a great job and win.”
Sterling is looking to put two consecutive wins together now at 145 pounds. After losing his bantamweight title to Sean O’Malley in August 2023, Sterling moved up a division, and defeated long-time veteran Calvin Kattar.
“Funk Master” likes the matchup with Evloev, and believes the fans are in for an exciting contest.
“It’s going to be a grappler’s delight, but maybe it ends up in a striking affair – which would be fun for everybody,” Sterling said. “I think it’s a win-win for both of our careers because of people calling either of us boring and title implications on the line.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 310.
