Aljamain Sterling want to stay ready as he pushes toward a UFC featherweight title shot. He recently expressed interest in serving as the backup for Movsar Evloev vs. Lerone Murphy. His request adds another twist to the already high-stakes matchup.
Evloev vs. Murphy will headline UFC London on Mar. 21. The winner will likely earn a title shot against reigning featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.
Volkanovski retained his title against Diego Lopes at UFC 325 and later expressed interest in fighting both Evloev and Murphy. As a result, many expect the winner to challenge him next. Given the current landscape of the division, Sterling wants to insert his name in the title conversation.
During an interview with Home of Fight, Sterling criticized Evloev. He questioned his former foe’s reliability, pointing to a history of canceled bouts.
“I’m trying to throw my name to be a backup for that [UFC] London card,” Sterling said. “Movsar is one of the most unreliable guys that pulls out of how many fights? Or somehow his opponent doesn’t make it to the fight, but it’s usually him.”
He added:
“If I get the opportunity to put myself in a No. 1 contender position where I could fight either one of those guys and win, I think the writing is on the wall that I get another title shot long before it’s overdue.”
Aljamain Sterling Breaks Down Movsar Evloev vs. Lerone Murphy
Aljamain Sterling also analyzed the upcoming matchup between Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy. He outlined the areas where Evloev poses a threat and Murphy’s approach to the fight.
Both fighters are undefeated, but Sterling believes Evloev holds more paths to victory. Sterling said he expects the Russian to utilize his grappling, while Murphy will need to depend on his striking.
“I feel like Movsar has more way, very clear path to win. He can push [Murphy] up against the cage, he can take him down and hold him,” Sterling told Home of Fight. “Lerone, clean striker [and] he’s strong. I just wonder if his wrestling is going to be enough.”
He added:
“I heard one of [Murphy’s] interviews. He’s going to be offensive, pushing the pace, going forward, and trying to be vicious on his defense or offense,” Sterling said. “I’m very intrigued to see how that goes.”
Sterling Believes He Did Enough to Beat Evloev
Sterling also voiced his frustration with the decision of his fight against Evloev at UFC 310. That 2024 bout was Evloev’s most recent appearance, as he was sidelined throughout last year.
Sterling later returned to face former title challenger Brian Ortega and secured a dominant unanimous decision victory. Had judges awarded him the decision over Evloev, and then defeating Ortega, Sterling might have been considered for a title eliminator.
While reflecting on the fight, Sterling said he thought he did enough to warrant a decision win.
“In that 3rd round, I felt like I broke [Evloev],” Sterling said told Home of Fight. “When I took him down and I slammed him on his head, and the I slammed him again, I think he was like, ‘All right, I’m just going to hang out here,’ because I almost feel like he conceded the loss.”
He added:
“I really thought I did enough to win.”
Aljamain Sterling Pushes Backup Idea for High-Stakes Evloev vs. Murphy Bout