UFC fighter Aljamain Sterling returned to action in a grappling bout at FURY Pro 8. Sterling faced Kevin Dantzler in the main event which was fought at 160 lbs. The American fighter who has been a Bantamweight for most of his career gained a lot of pounds to take part in the grappling match and showed his supreme power.
According to SI, before the bout, Sterling claimed that BJJ might be something he pursues after his MMA career. “This has always been a passion of mine,” said Sterling. “I’m still doing full-on MMA training. I pride myself on being ‘The Backpack of Jitsu’, and I want to see how good I really am in the grappling department.
“Who knows, when I’m done in MMA, maybe I’ll go full-time in BJJ competitions.”
Aljamain Sterling very upset with his loss to Kevin Dantzler 😬 #FURYPRO8 pic.twitter.com/moL3rgHoAa
— Combat Sports Today 📰 (@CSTodayNews) December 31, 2023
Although Dantzler earned a decision win over Sterling on the night, the ‘Funk Master’ caught the eye of the fans due to his extraordinary arm-bar defense. When Dantzler had Sterling in his clutches, The New York native picked Dantzler with his arm and twisted him around to defend himself. Sterling shook Dantzler off and fans were surprised at the power the former UFC Bantamweight champion possesses.
One fan wrote, “That’s some power and some style points.”
That’s some power and some style points 😂
— MMA Burning (@mmaburning) December 31, 2023
Another fan wrote, “Aljo strong as hell wtf.”
Meanwhile, another fan was left wondering how Sterling used to make 135 lbs as a Bantamweight. They wrote, “Bruh Aljo atleast 170 here how that man make 135.”
After his iconic run as a Bantamweight in the UFC, Sterling has decided to step up to Featherweight. He will be making his UFC Featherweight debut at UFC 300.
Aljamain Sterling will move up to Featherweight to face Calvin Kattar at UFC 300
In his pro-MMA career, Sterling has fought once at 145 lbs. He fought Evan Chmielski at CCFC 10: Black Eye and won the bout via TKO. Since then, Sterling has continued to fight at Bantamweight. The American was on an iconic nine-match win streak in the UFC where he won the division’s title and defended it thrice against the likes of Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo before going down to Sean O’Malley.
UFC 300 ANNOUNCEMENT!
Aljamain Sterling vs Calvin Kattar
April 13th | Las Vegas | 145 LbsAljo moves to FEATHERWEIGHT and takes on Kattar. pic.twitter.com/B0efJ8FzU9
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) December 22, 2023
After his UFC 292 title loss, Sterling announced his move up to Featherweight. He is part of only a handful of announced fights of the milestone PPV UFC 300. Black belt in BJJ, Sterling, is set to face Blue belt in BJJ, Calvin Kattar, on April 13, 2023, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Before that, however, Sterling is set to take part in another grappling match. He will be up against Chase Hooper on January 19, 2024, in the main event of ADXC 2.