Aljamain Sterling is calling for a title shot following his one-sided win over Brian Ortega at UFC Shanghai, but even “Funkmaster” wasn’t optomistic that he’d get it.
Sterling blanked Ortega on the scorecards, earning 50-45 scores from all three judges (watch the highlights here). But the fight was less than spectacular,
leaving the Shanghai crowd restless after five overly careful rounds from Aljamain.“I hope we still put on a great performance for you guys,” Sterling said during his post-fight interview.
“I had to survive, I wasn’t trying to get knocked out in China!”
When asked what he wanted next, “Funkmaster” went big.
“I think I’ve done enough in this game, I’ve been around the block,” he said. “I’ve defended my belt the most in bantamweight history, I think I’m tied for most wins in bantamweight history. I came to featherweight, I did my damn thing, I lost to a really tough dude who fought for the belt twice.”
“Respect to Volkanovski, he’s the man. I would love an opportunity to fight for the belt again.”
During the ESPN post-fight show, Sterling admitted he didn’t think he’d receive the next shot. That honor goes to Lerone Murphy, who is 9-0-1 at featherweight and just landed a KO of the Year spinning elbow on Aaron Pico.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if [Volkanovski] fights Lerone [Murphy] next,” he said. “That was a great fight for him. In terms of his performance, I think Lerone has earned it. But if the UFC wants to throw my hat in there, I’m not going to say no if they give me an opportunity. They’ve done that for many guys in the past.”
Sterling’s relationship with UFC CEO Dana White has never been the best. He’s always done with the UFC has wanted, but with a bit too much grumbling. But it’s never too late for them to reward him for all the solids he’s done over the years.
“We’re both two old dogs, I’m 36, Volkanovski’s 36. It’s like let two old uncs get after it,” Sterling said. “Lerone, he’s got some time, he’s got some youth, me and [Volkanovski], why not?”
