Highlights
- Sterling’s transition to featherweight division impressed White, marking the end of their feud.
- White praised Sterling’s agility and seamless shift in weight class after UFC 300 win.
- The reconciliation between Sterling and White follows a tumultuous period of controversies and disagreements.
The longstanding feud between Aljamain Sterling and UFC President Dana White appears to have reached its conclusion. The reconciliation came to light on Saturday night as Sterling, dubbed ‘The Funk Master,’ made his highly anticipated return to the octagon at UFC 300, marking his debut in the featherweight division.
Sterling’s transition to the 145-pound weight class was met with skepticism by some, but any doubts were swiftly dispelled as he squared off against seasoned contender Calvin Kattar. In a display of dominance, Sterling controlled the majority of the bout as he secured a unanimous decision victory over his opponent.
Aljamain Sterling Mocks Sean O’Malley’s Drawing Power Citing Stacked UFC 299 Fight Card
Aljamain Sterling mocks Sean O’Malley’s perceived star power as UFC 299 approaches.
Sterling Flattered After Dana White UFC 300 Praise
The Former Champion Previously Felt Underappreciated
Following the impressive performance, Dana White, known for his outspoken criticisms of Sterling in the past, had nothing but praise for the former bantamweight champion. During the post-fight press conference, White commended Sterling’s agility and remarked on his seamless transition to featherweight, effectively putting to rest any lingering animosity between the two.
In a candid interview on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Sterling reciprocated White’s sentiments, expressing gratitude for the promoter’s support and acknowledging the significance of their newfound rapport.
“I thought that was, for once, really nice of him. I was like, did I have to lose the belt for people to cut me a little slack? I’m not asking for much, I think it takes more to be dismissive and rude to someone versus just kinda prop them up.”
“I thank him for that, that was cool. That’s all I’ve ever wanted was at least, make me somewhat of an ally because the fans are going to regurgitate whatever he says and he knows that,” Sterling stated.
Sean O’Malley Questions Aljamain Sterling’s Mental Toughness
Sean O’Malley gives his take on Aljamain Sterling’s move to the featherweight division.
The resolution between Sterling and White marks the end of a tumultuous period marked by controversies and disagreements. Their contentious relationship stemmed from Sterling’s controversial victory over Petr Yan in 2021, which culminated in a rematch and a split-decision win for Sterling at UFC 273. Tensions escalated further when Sterling declined a bout with Merab Dvalishvili due to their friendship, prompting public criticism from White.
Sterling’s triumphant performance at UFC 300 comes following his loss to Sean O’Malley. The former champion took the bout with O’Malley on short notice and argued at the time that he believed he needed more time to prepare but did not take anything away from his opponent.
Sterling is likely one or two fights away from fighting for the title at featherweight with several intriguing matchups for him in the division.
