Aljamain Sterling's performance in the bantamweight division was one that will remain in the record books.
The former UFC champion heads into new territory this weekend, ending his chapter at 135 pounds. Sterling will move up a weight class and make his featherweight debut against ranked contender Calvin Kattar on the undercard of UFC 300.
Related: UFC 300: Aljamain Sterling proves double champion potential, 'Off Night' vs. Sean O'Malley
Sterling, who joined the UFC in 2014, has a 15-4 record in the division and won the world title against Petr Yan by disqualification for a foul knee kick from the champion. The controversy (at least most of it) ended in a rematch, as Sterling won by split decision.
“The Funk Master” made a total of three title defenses with wins over Yan, former champion TJ Dillashaw and Henry Cejudo before losing the title to Sean O'Malley at UFC 292 in August.
After leaving the bantamweight division, Sterling is considered one of the best fighters to ever fight at 135 pounds, along with former two-time champion Dominick Cruz. Sterling gives insight into where he stands in the bantamweight “GOAT” conversation.
“I think it's pretty hard to deny my resume,” Sterling told SI's MMA Knockout. “I mean, if you look at the number of ranked fighters I faced in the UFC, I think there were only three opponents that didn't have a number next to their name. Everyone else was ranked and a former They were champions. They were top five at one point. I think they played against or beat five top five players.
“I don't think anyone else has done that. If you look at the resume, I think it speaks for itself.”
(Special thanks to 'culture kingsThank you for making this interview possible. (Stay tuned later this week for more on Sterling's collaboration with the UFC on UFC 300 and his two cents on fashion crossovers.)
Sterling defeated the likes of Renan Barao, Jimmie Rivera, Pedro Manhoz and Cory Sandhagen on his way to the top.
Long before Sterling ascended to the throne, Dominick Cruz rose to prominence at bantamweight. “The Dominator” won the WEC title in 2010 and went on a seven-fight win streak during his time in the promotion before being promoted to UFC Champion as a result of the historic UFC-WEC merger.
Cruz defended his title twice against Urijah Faber and Demetrius Johnson, but ultimately vacated it due to a torn ACL and was sidelined for three years until 2014.
Bad luck continued for the former champion as Cruz suffered another ACL injury, this time to his other knee, and was unable to compete again until 2016.
Cruz, of San Diego, regained the title in 2016 with a close decision win over TJ Dillashaw and finally successfully defended the title, ending his rivalry with Urijah Faber. After losing the title to Cody Garbrandt at UFC 207, Cruz has only fought four times since then, going 2-2.
Aljamain Sterling gives his opinion on how Dominic Cruz's career compares to his own.
“Of course, Dom was out injured for quite some time. I think if he had been a little more proactive we would have gotten a clearer answer. [on who the greatest bantamweight of all time is]'' Sterling said. “So I'll kind of leave it up to the fans to decide who they feel based on their resume and body of work within the UFC, but if you're going to include the WEC, I think it's hard to ignore Dominick Cruz.” ”
In the battle between old school and new school, who do you think is better in the bantamweight “GOAT” debate, Aljamain Sterling or Dominick Cruz?
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