Aljamain Sterling, the former UFC bantamweight champion, won’t be featured on the main card at UFC 310, despite his status as a top dog in the promotion. Sterling, known for his grappling dominance and tactical approach inside the Octagon, has been a staple in the title picture for years. However, his absence from the marquee lineup has sparked some surprise among fans and analysts alike.

As UFC’s last PPV of the year draws closer, questions arise about the promotion’s decision to place Sterling lower on the card. But what does the former champion feel about it? It seems ‘The Funk Master’ is a man on a mission and wants to issue a statement with his performance.

Aljamain Sterling is not impressed with his fight placement at UFC 310

The highly anticipated matchup between Movsar Evloev and Aljamain Sterling was initially set for UFC 307 back in October. However, the fight was called off due to a shoulder injury suffered by Sterling. As a result, Evloev was also removed from the card after trying to fight a replacement for the former champion. This fight is crucial in the 145-pound division, with both fighters near the top of the rankings.

The pair will finally collide but not in the main card which has come as a surprise to many out there. ‘Aljo’ has been a former 135lbs  champion and felt a bit disrespected by the treatment. However, the 35-year-old is confident that he will come out on top against the Russian fighter. But more than that, he wants to showcase a statement via his performance inside the cage.

Championship Rounds took to their X account to share the video where Sterling shared his honest opinion on the situation. Sterling said, “I didn’t know if I should have been insulted by the placement on the fight card. Or glass half full and guess that’s the best way I try to look at everything in life and was a little confused by it of course. I guess they have their reason for what they do with the UFC brass. I think people are gonna be in for a very big surprise. And the UFC is gonna realize we messed up big time by not putting this on the main card.” 

Evloev, with a flawless record of 18-0, aims to solidify his position as a top contender. He is one of the most conditioned fighters in the division and is a master grappler. While Sterling has also been a division mainstay, he will be up against a tough challenge, as stated by another former champion Henry Cejudo.

Henry Cejudo picks his favorite between Movsar Evloev and Aljamain Sterling

The Russian contender has shown that his relentless pace and well-rounded skill set make him a nightmare for anyone in the division. With a background in wrestling, Evloev’s grappling game is both smothering and technical. His striking, while not flashy, is effective and sharp, making him a well-rounded threat in all areas. This is what Henry Cejudo feels will be the biggest problem for ‘Aljo’. ‘Triple C’ broke down their matchup on his ‘Pound 4 Pound’ podcast and pointed out why Sterling is at a seeming disadvantage.

He said, “I like Aljamain, man. I really do, man… but he’s also going up against, in my eyes, the most problematic guy at 145 pounds. His style, you could call it boring, call it whatever the hell you want to call it, Movsar is f***ing dangerous, man. Like, and not just that, but he has heart, dude. Diego Lopes had this dude in that knee bar, that dude did not tap but he said he heard popping,”. 

Evloev is also bigger than most of the opponents Sterling has faced in his career. This might also cause a lot of problems in areas of dominance and takedowns. Hopefully, the former champion can find a weakness and keep his winning momentum going in his new division. Do you think Aljamain Sterling deserved a place in the main card at UFC 310? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.