Aljamain Sterling Hints at Featherweight Debut Against Max Holloway, Reveals Surprise Timeline for Return After Losing Title

Max Holloway is considered one of the greatest featherweights in UFC history. ‘Blessed’ is currently on a 2 fight-win streak with his only losses in the past 3 years coming against Alexander Volkanvoski. Holloway lost his title to Volkanovski at UFC 245 and came up short against the Australian twice in his attempts to recapture his belt. But now, it seems like another fighter wants to test himself against the Hawaiian.

Aljamain Sterling, the former UFC bantamweight champion is now looking to move to another weight class. Sterling lost his title via knockout to Sean O’Malley at UFC 292. And he has now decided to move up a weight class.  In a recent post on social media, he hinted at his next target being Holloway! And the post also contained a tentative timeline for this proposed matchup between two former champions!

Aljamain Sterling drops hint at Max Holloway fight for his return

 Sterling initially aimed at becoming a 2-division champion. However, his loss against Sean O’Malley and difficulties in making weight have prompted him to consider a switch to featherweight. In a recent Q&A session on his YouTube channel, Sterling revealed that he has undergone tests at the UFC PI in Las Vegas to explore the viability of the weight class switch.

He revealed that according to the tests, Sterling matches up favorably when it comes to the physical attributes of fighters in the higher weight class. This has led to him posting an interesting call-out on his Twitter/X account!

Sterling stated in the tweet, “March. Trynna make it blessed”. Therefore, it can be reasoned that he is planning a return in March of 2024. And “Blessed” refers to former featherweight champion, Max Holloway!

If Sterling commits to the new weight class, a potential matchup against Holloway is filled with the prospect of an exciting fight for the fans. So far, no official confirmation regarding the two fighters clashing has been confirmed.

But a UFC analyst and former middleweight contender believes that Max Holloway is the ultimate test for Sterling’s ambitions to move to the featherweight division!

Chael Sonnen supports Holloway vs Sterling as a fresh matchup

Chael Sonnen is intrigued by the idea of Aljamain Sterling transitioning to featherweight, especially for a bout against Max Holloway. Sonnen believes this fight could propel Sterling to the upper echelon of the featherweight division.

Sonnen sees the change in weight class as a strategic move, unaffected by Sterling relinquishing the bantamweight belt. He stated, “Because he was going to leave the belt either way. Whether he left it in somebody else’s care or he left it vacant and went up, he was going to leave it either way.…”

He advocates for historical significance, acknowledging the potential rematch with Sean O’Malley but expressing greater enthusiasm for Sterling’s venture into the featherweight division. Sonnen revealed, “I’m an advocate for history prevailing and Aljo getting a rematch against Sean, but I don’t know that I would rather see that than see Aljo at 145.”

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The prospect of a Holloway-Sterling matchup in the featherweight division adds an exciting dimension for fans. While details are yet to be confirmed, Sonnen’s belief in the historical implications of such a bout underscores the significance of Sterling’s venture into a new weight class.

Do you think Max Holloway is a good matchup for Aljamain Sterling’s move up to featherweight? Why or Why not? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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