Aljamain Sterling is the latest featherweight contender to compete for a spot at UFC 306, which takes place at The Sphere in Las Vegas in September.
Sterling made his featherweight debut in April at UFC 300, winning a unanimous decision over Calvin Kattar, and the former bantamweight champion has since teased a possible matchup with Movsar Evloev, with both fighters initially expressing interest in the bout but that has now seemingly died down.
Evloev has accused Sterling of avoiding him, but “The Funkmaster” claims the unbeaten Russian is unwilling to accept his terms. Sterling is currently focused on facing Brazil’s Diego Lopez at UFC 306 on September 14.
“I’m thinking about Aljamain Sterling vs Diego Lopez at the Sphere. Sounds good,” Sterling said on his YouTube channel. [Evloev]”I don’t know what the hell he’s doing. I gave him the date, but he still hasn’t accepted, he’s making excuses. So, either I fight on my terms or I fight someone else. So, Diego Lopez, if you’re willing, let’s make it happen at the Sphere on September 14th. Let’s do it.”
Meanwhile, Evloev accused Sterling of “running for his life” but still demanded a rematch with Lopez.
“You’re either a lying cheater or you can’t read. Neither is good, brother,” Sterling wrote back to X.
You’re either a liar and a cheater or you can’t read. Neither is good, brother https://t.co/eT8g0gdgKn
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA)
July 2, 2024
Lopez, who lost a unanimous decision to Evloev in his surprise UFC debut last year, has no interest in a rematch. Having previously been turned down by Evloev, Lopez claims the Russian is now just using his name for clout.
Have you finally realized that saying my name is what gets the UFC on your radar? Or are you worried that tomorrow morning I’ll be where you are in the rankings? It took you 3 months to get back to me. Just sit back and watch the big boys do their thing. https://t.co/WeeRx2nNVz
— Diego Lopez 🇧🇷🇲🇽 (@Diegolopesmma)
July 2, 2024
Lopez won a unanimous decision over Dan Ige at UFC 303 on June 29, accepting a new opponent and weight class just hours before the event after Brian Ortega withdrew from the event. Both Lopez and Ige then requested spots at UFC 306, which Dana White graciously granted. Lopez has since asked for either a rematch against Ortega or a matchup against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 306.
