Aljamain Sterling Is Willing to Fight Training Partner Merab Dvalishvili on One “Life Changing” Condition

UFC president Dana White has stepped in to advise Merab Dvalishvili following his vow to not fight his ‘brother’ Aljamain Sterling. White warned ‘The Machine’ that it would be a ‘bad idea’ to turn down a fight with Sterling. In response, Sterling, known as the ‘Funk Master’, has reflected on White’s comments and revealed his thoughts on the matter. Unlike Dvalishvili, Sterling has not completely ruled out the possibility of facing ‘The Machine’ in the octagon. However, he did place one condition on the table, stating that the stakes of the fight would have to be a life-changing opportunity.

The 32-year-old Dvalishvili is currently on a 9-fight winning streak and sits at the top spot on the divisional ranking. His training partner Sterling currently holds the title. Hence, a matchup seems inevitable down the line someday. But the way the New York native puts it, if the money talks and it’s something that can change our lives, then it’s worth the risk.

Aljamain Sterling wants NFL-like money to fight Merab Dvalishvili

Aljamain Sterling recently sat down with Robbie Fox from ‘My Mom’s Basement’ to discuss his career in MMA. During the interview, Fox asked Sterling to reflect on Dana White’s recent comments. The 33-year-old did not shy away from the question and discussed the possibility of fighting Merab Dvalishvili. However, Sterling’s response was not what Fox expected. He expressed that it doesn’t make sense for him to fight for such a small amount of money.

“I know for him he’s gonna try to make the matchups that the fans wanna see. I know the fans would love to see that. I’m like, dude, we do more than enough in the room with each other already. … And to have that relationship with him and to throw it away for, 500K?” Aljamain Sterling questioned.

Sterling even questioned why they would ever cross that line to do something that would not last them and not be worth it in the long run. He continued, “And for us to fight for that kind of money just doesn’t make a ton of sense. Now if we were talking like NFL money, money that can actually- these guys make $50 million for like one or two years, you know what I mean? That’s life changing.”

Read more: Jon Anik Names Former Champion as Merab Dvalishvili’s Next UFC Opponent After Dana White Publicly Expressed Disappointment for “The Machine”

Sterling does not see the benefit in fighting his friend if the money is not good. A considerable sum of money would set up both the fighters for their lives and that is the only condition he would fight Dvalishvili. Sterling’s stance highlights the age-old adage that it’s not about the quantity of the fight, but the quality.

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