Aljamain Sterling, former UFC bantamweight champion, has broken his silence on his notable absence from the post-fight interviews at UFC 300. Despite securing a decisive victory in his UFC featherweight debut against Calvin Kattar, Sterling found himself excluded from the customary Octagon conversation with Joe Rogan—a decision that has left him feeling disappointed and overlooked.
Having showcased his wrestling prowess and strategic striking to clinch a unanimous decision victory over Kattar during the UFC 300 prelims, Sterling anticipated the opportunity to reflect on his performance in a post-fight interview. However, as the promotion transitioned to the pay-per-view segment of the event, Sterling was notably absent from the roster of fighters granted the spotlight.
Reflecting on the omission, Sterling expressed a mix of understanding and frustration. “I don’t want to say I was upset, but when I thought about it, it definitely sucked a little bit!” he remarked. With a championship pedigree and a history of successfully defending the bantamweight title three times, Sterling had hoped for recognition commensurate with his achievements.
Aljamain Sterling reacts to being the only UFC 300 winner to not get an Octagon interview.
“I don’t want to say I was upset, but when I thought about it, it definitely sucked a little bit! Former champion, defended the belt three times, no interview, it’s kinda sad.”… pic.twitter.com/jbl395VMUV
— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) April 16, 2024
While speculation abounds regarding the reasons behind Sterling’s exclusion, with time constraints cited as a potential factor, the UFC has yet to provide an official explanation. Nevertheless, Sterling remains undeterred, focusing his attention on the featherweight division and his pursuit of championship contention.
Having boldly called out Brian Ortega following his victory over Kattar, Sterling has signaled his readiness to engage in high-stakes matchups against elite competitors in the featherweight ranks. Embracing the challenge of a new weight class following a setback against Sean O’Malley, Sterling is poised to capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead.
As Sterling continues to assert his presence in the featherweight division, his disappointment at being overlooked following UFC 300 serves as fuel for his determination to succeed. With his sights set on future triumphs and the pursuit of championship glory, Sterling remains steadfast in his resolve to make his mark in the octagon and silence his detractors once and for all.
