“That Would Put Me in Limbo” – Aljamain Sterling Finally Steps Aside for Friend Merab & Lays Down One Last Demand for Rival Sean O’Malley

Things change quickly in the MMA world. The fighter who was once regarded as the bantamweight GOAT is finding it hard to get an immediate rematch. Yes, we are talking about Aljamain Sterling. Earlier this month, Sterling experienced the most significant setback of his fighting career after losing his title to Sean O’Malley at UFC 292.

Sterling fell short against O’Malley’s precision and suffered a loss in the second round via TKO (punches). Despite a monumental career, Sterling finds himself unable to secure a rematch. Nevertheless, the bantamweight fighter has already set his sights on his next steps and has plans in place for his future in the sport.

Aljamain Sterling is ready for the rematch

In a video on X with a message, the ex-bantamweight champ expressed wanting a quick rematch with O’Malley. He cites his victories over past champs as the reason for this interest. Sterling wrote on Twitter, “One things for certain, I 1000% want a rematch with O’Malley based on all the work and former champions I’ve beaten.”

The ex-bantamweight champ noted that if O’Malley’s team avoids risk, as he did against them, the next title shot contender would be Merab Dvalishvili. He holds a record of 16-4 MMA, 9-2 UFC.

Sterling wrote, “But if their team avoids taking a risk with me, like I did for them, then the next person to get a title shot is MerabDvalishvili.” In the video, Sterling highlighted that if Dvalishvili emerged victorious, he would become the first-ever UFC champion from Georgia. And this accomplishment would carry huge significance for both him as an individual and for his home country.

Read More: Costly Error Against Sean O’Malley That Cost Aljamain Sterling the Title Revealed by Ex-UFC Champ’s Teammate Merab Dvalishvili in Tell All Take

Sterling recognized that Merab winning the title would be a big achievement for their team. However, it could leave the ex-champ in a state of uncertainty. Nonetheless, Sterling also outlined his plans for the future.

What’s next for Sterling

Highlighting his options in case he didn’t get the rematch with O’Malley, Sterling said, “Maybe. I stick around a 35 and take like a fighter to two, and then maybe I explore 45, or maybe I just go right to 45. Let’s just see how things shape up before. We just kind of start jumping to conclusions and getting all crazy with all this other stuff.”

This highlights that the former champ will take some time to assess what’s best for him and then take the call. However, Dvalishvili is the number 2 ranked bantamweight with a 9-fight win streak. The Georgian fighter holds wins over Petr Yan, Jose Aldo, and Marlon Moraes.

Considering Dvalishvili’s impressive track record and wins over established fighters, do you believe he has a strong chance of defeating O’Malley? Share your thoughts.

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