Aljamain Sterling on UFC 292: ‘I’m Feeling The Best I’ve Ever Felt’

If Aljamain Sterling’s goal is to be the greatest bantamweight champion in UFC history, he is making a convincing case.

Sterling (23-3) is two weeks shy of reaching the 900-day mark as champion, and he has already defended the belt three times, which is the most in division history. A victory against Sean O’Malley this Saturday at UFC 292 would further cement Sterling’s legacy, as well as be his tenth straight win.

But sudden defeats are an occupational hazard in MMA, noteworthy for their ability to happen in an instant. O’Malley is especially dangerous, and one strike can put Sterling to sleep, a fact he is certainly aware of heading into this title defense.

“The last time I overlooked someone was the last time I lost,” says Sterling, whose last loss was suffered against Marlon Moraes in December of 2017 when he was knocked out only 67 seconds into the first round. “I’ll never do that again.”

“Sean brings a different type of challenge. He has some good feints, some good footwork, he can punch. The guy can definitely fight.”

Sterling defended the belt in May against Henry Cejudo, producing a split decision victory that ranks high among his career highlights. Cejudo is an Olympic gold medalist, and he struggled to impose his will on Sterling. The buildup to their fight featured a lot of sparring with their trash talk, which Sterling relished. The buildup with O’Malley is different, not quite reaching the same level of vitriol that existed with Cejudo.

“O’Malley’s not just all talk, but he’s just not as battle-tested or been through the ringer,” says Sterling. “Henry had all the accolades and accomplishments, and he loves to go back-and-forth in the war of words. I love that, too. Someone had to answer for their words. A win here is different, but I’ll never overlook Sean, even if it was his popularity that helped catapult him here. But here he is, so he has my attention.”

Win or lose, this could be the final bantamweight bout for Sterling, who turned 34 at the end of July. If he wants to avoid a clash against teammate/friend Merab Dvalishvili, then this is an opportune time to move to featherweight and challenge pound-for-pound no. one champ Alexander Volkanovski.

Though health was a concern following a quick turnaround from the Cejudo fight in May, Sterling says he is entering this bout without any major lingering issues.

“I was able to properly manage my downtime and heal up as best I could,” says Sterling. “I’m feeling the best I’ve ever felt. It’s my chance to silence the critics one more time. Every time you try to put me in a bad spot, I’ll show you the cream rises. I’m as healthy as I can be, and I’m looking forward to smashing these shin bones across Sean O’Malley.”

Adding to the intrigue of the bout, Sterling and O’Malley made a side bet for $100. In order to win, you need to deliver the first takedown of the fight.

Asked how he will spend the $100, Sterling plans to share the wealth.

“I’ll buy a round or two of shots for my team,” says Sterling. “I’m looking forward to that.”

Justin Barrasso can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.