With his first-round submission of Cory Sandhagen at UFC 250, Sterling has been victorious in seven of his last eight Octagon appearances. Many have argued that it should have been the “Funk Master” vying for the vacant 135-pound strap at UFC 251 instead of Jose Aldo, but ultimately Petr Yan defeated Aldo to become the new bantamweight king.
When discussing Sterling’s status at a press conference on Saturday night, UFC president Dana White would only admit that the Serra-Longo Fight team member was one of the division’s top contenders. However, he would not guarantee that Sterling will be next in line to face Yan.
“I don’t know,” White said. “He’s in there. He’s up there. He’s one of them.”
Approximately one week ago, Sterling weighed in on the matter, and not surprisingly, he believes he is the division’s clear-cut No. 1 contender.
“There is NOTHING to THINK about [Dana White] ! I am the next guy in line! I earned my shot and it’s time for me to realize a dream! Cut the games!” Sterling wrote on Twitter.
There is NOTHING to THINK about @danawhite! I am the next guy in line! I earned my shot and it’s time for me to realize a dream! Cut the games! #UFC251
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) July 12, 2020
For now, there is not a clear timeline for the next bantamweight title bout, as Yan just won the crown at UFC 251 on July 11.