Aljamain Sterling is making a bold move, targeting a backup role for the UFC London event, but why? He believes Movsar Evloev, set to face Lerone Murphy in a highly anticipated bout, is an 'unreliable' fighter. Sterling, eager for a title shot, sees this as his golden opportunity.
On February 10, 2026, Sterling expressed his interest in being the reserve for UFC Fight Night 270's main event. With Evloev's undefeated record (19-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) and Murphy's impressive streak (17-0-1 MMA, 9-0-1 UFC), their March 21 clash at The O2 in London is a potential No. 1 contender bout. But here's the twist: Sterling, with a record of 20-5 MMA and 17-5 UFC, is still awaiting confirmation for a fight with Youssef Zalal at UFC 327 in April.
Sterling's strategy is clear: he wants to be Evloev's backup, despite the challenges of weight cutting. He believes that by stepping in, he can secure a No. 1 contender position and earn another title shot sooner rather than later. But is this a risky move?
Sterling's confidence stems from his previous encounter with Evloev at UFC 310, a fight he believes he should have won. He analyzed the upcoming Evloev-Murphy matchup, stating, 'Movsar has more ways to win.' Sterling's breakdown of the fight is intriguing, especially when he claims that Evloev 'conceded the loss' against him. But is this a fair assessment?
The controversy lies in how Sterling perceives his performance against Evloev. He argues that his dominance in the third round should have secured him the win, despite critics saying he didn't throw enough punches. Sterling's belief in his ability to control the fight raises questions about the scoring criteria. And this is where opinions might clash.
As for Murphy, Sterling acknowledges his strength and clean striking but questions if his wrestling will be enough. With Evloev's reliability in question and Murphy's strategy of pushing the pace, this backup role could be Sterling's ticket to the top. But will he get the chance to prove himself?
What do you think? Is Sterling's strategy a smart move or a risky gamble? Should he focus on his potential fight with Zalal, or is the backup role a faster route to the title shot? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's discuss the intricacies of this intriguing UFC scenario!
