Aljamain Sterling argues to jump Movsar Evloev for Volkanovski fight: 'Give the people what they want'

Aljamain Sterling is ready for one more crack at UFC gold.

(Jeff Bottari via Getty Images)

"If they offer me that same opportunity, I’m taking it. I’m not going to go say, ‘Movsar deserves it over me — I’m defaulting out.’ That wouldn't make any sense. This is an opportunity of a lifetime, and if they gave it to Movsar, I wouldn’t be upset."

It’s been a long road to a first UFC title shot for Evloev. That goal still eludes the Russian, with nothing scheduled on the upcoming calendar for either him or Volkanovski.

Sterling’s big claim to a title shot falls not only on legacy, but also the belief that Evloev — who has yet to finish an opponent in the promotion — isn’t the most exciting fighter.

"Who doesn't want to see Volkanovski versus the 'Funkmaster'? What are we talking about? What do we have to do to give the people what they want?” Sterling said. “Two OGs, two legends of their weight classes. Now I'm in a new one, trying to be a two-division champion against one of the all-time greats before he hangs it up.

“I think I more than deserved and earned my shot. With that said, Movsar vs. Lerone Murphy — I don't think anyone is clamoring for watching that winner fight Volkanovski. So, give the fans something that they want to do. Give a compelling matchup. The storyline is there. We've trained together. It's a great matchup. Styles make fights. And I don't think these guys have anything for him. 'Volk' is just that damn good still. I guarantee if you give me the opportunity, I will figure out the puzzle or I will die trying to do it."

Although Sterling is adamant that he makes for a better choice than his past opponent, he remains a realist. Evloev has become about as undeniable a contender as can be, and holding a head-to-head win over Sterling as recently as December 2024 is glaring.

After the Zalal performance, Sterling has no indication of how the UFC feels regarding Volkanovski’s next challenger. He just believes his outings have been more impressive than Evloev’s since they fought.

"I do think he has earned it by now at this point,” Sterling said. “But if they also decide to say, hey, my fight was better, as Dana [White] has been saying as of late — whoever has the best performance is going to get the next shot, I'd like to think I'm probably that guy right now."