Who here actually believes Aljermain is fighting Volkanovski if he beats O’Malley?

[DatSamboKid]

Dana White is clearly displeased by the fact that Sterling and Merab have expressed their reluctance to face each other in a fight. In various press conferences, he has repeatedly expressed his disapproval when fighters refuse to compete against one another. Aljermain Sterling has mentioned his desire to move up to the 145lbs weight class after defeating O'Malley. When asked about Aljo's plans to move up in weight, Dana showed little reaction and dismissed the question. I believe Dana will not allow Aljermain Sterling to fight Volkanovski without relinquishing his bantamweight belt, similar to what happened with Aldo and Pettis in the past. And to be honest, I don't even think they will grant him a title shot at 145lbs. The person who will likely face the most consequences from this situation is Merab. Aljermain isn’t relinquishing his belt and moving up to featherweight without a guaranteed title shot. And if Merab doesn’t want to fight him, he will likely be matched up against unranked opponents as a way to make a point. I anticipate that this situation will not have a favorable outcome.

 

[Davidjacksonjones]

Alex would maul him badly, but if he's willing to move up and face him respect

 

[ChimRichalds]

I don't see any reason to believe he wouldn't. He doesn't have long left at 135, he's a big boy and the cuts aren't getting any easier.

 

[johny ringo]

Didn't he say not to long ago that Alex would whoop him?

 

[killakillakilla]

It’ll all work out fine, we’ve seen this before with friends that don’t want to fight each other. What I don’t want to see is the UFC pressuring two friends to fight each other that don’t want to fight each other. That would be a shitty fight.

 

[USA!USA!]

I do. Why not?

If he stepped up and relinquished his belt at 135, I don't see why Dana would have a problem with it. I am pretty sure Aljo said he would move up permanently soon anyways due to age and the weight cut. Would give Merab the opportunity to fight for it at 135.

 

[DestinedAussie]

Dana White is clearly displeased by the fact that Sterling and Merab have expressed their reluctance to face each other in a fight. In various press conferences, he has repeatedly expressed his disapproval when fighters refuse to compete against one another. Aljermain Sterling has mentioned his desire to move up to the 145lbs weight class after defeating O'Malley. When asked about Aljo's plans to move up in weight, Dana showed little reaction and dismissed the question. I believe Dana will not allow Aljermain Sterling to fight Volkanovski without relinquishing his bantamweight belt, similar to what happened with Aldo and Pettis in the past. And to be honest, I don't even think they will grant him a title shot at 145lbs. The person who will likely face the most consequences from this situation is Merab. Aljermain isn’t relinquishing his belt and moving up to featherweight without a guaranteed title shot. And if Merab doesn’t want to fight him, he will likely be matched up against unranked opponents as a way to make a point. I anticipate that this situation will not have a favorable outcome.

I 100% believe if sterling beats Suga and wants to move up UFC will make fight with Volk. Volk wants names to fight and Sterling certainly fits the bill. I don't think Sterling wants it however and I think Volk destroys him, his an upgraded bigger and more active version of Yan who Sterling only just beat. Sterling's wrestling will also be less valuable without his size advantage.

That said I think it is better for UFC for him to stay. For a light weight class which are typically less popular it is certainly collecting a good range of big names at the top. I think the division is in a great place at the moment.

Merab is in a hard spot. Khabib wouldn't move up to fight Usman for the same reason. I understand fighters not wanting to face each other when team mates, and I support it in general. However once you are champ and number 1 contender then the fight is the best thing for both of them.

 

[humdizzle]

i dont see why not. Volk already had a chance at 155 and lost. now its time for him to repay the favor and welcome aljo up to 145. There is nothing left for volk at 145 in terms of contenders after yair. guys like topuria still have to work their way up.

dana would probably welcome it. Aljo vacates 135. loses at 145 to volk. he doesn't have to negotiate with him anymore since he's not a title holder

 

[Filter909]

Going for 2 belts is all the craze this decade

 

[dipstickjimmy]

I do. Why not?

If he stepped up and relinquished his belt at 135, I don't see why Dana would have a problem with it. I am pretty sure Aljo said he would move up permanently soon anyways due to age and the weight cut. Would give Merab the opportunity to fight for it at 135.

Why does he need to relinquish? They have jumped thru hoops to Qualify Cejudo, Conor, Amanda as Double Champs whether they earned it or not. DW whines about GSP not defending MW when Cejudo & Conor never defended. No reason they can't give Sterling a shot at Volk if Volk beats Yair and Sterling beats O'Malley.

 

[Paynebringer]

Alex would maul him badly, but if he's willing to move up and face him respect

You all really believe dat our you just hitting keys..? Much respect to Alex he can try and maul, but he will just get stalled by a man that can play physically the same game of drowning you in the cage.

 

[TRYHARD 2001]

I sure hope so. Sterling gets his ass whooped there and I always enjoy watching that. He simply can not match the pace that Volk brings and will be chewed up emphatically in the championship rounds.


BOOK IT NOW!!!

 

[fortheo]

I believe Aljo will vacate the BW belt and try to get the Volkanovski fight, but I think the UFC will push him to to fight a FW contender first.

 

[Dave Poodle]

Would be bullshit if they didn't give him the opportunity after 4 defenses given the other champs they've allowed to fight for titles in other divisions. There isn't a standout contender after Yair at FW either. Of course if Yair beats Volk there would have to be a rematch which would leave Aljo in no mans land a bit.

 

[Mammothman]

I could be wrong but Sterling seems he is happy fighting at BW, Alex is a killer on his prime, unless he is offered that match with a huge pay I don't think he will chase it.

 

[felmmando]

Didn't he say not to long ago that Alex would whoop him?

I wasn't aware of it, but if he did, I salute his realism.

 

[DoubleTrouble]

I have a feeling Yair will piece up Volk for some reason.

 

[jooohnmatrix]

Let them bang bro.

 

[HolmeZy55]

I have a feeling Yair will piece up Volk for some reason.

It's not impossible, Yair is the better and more dynamic striker but Volk is just a well rounded monster. If he is getting pieced up he won't hesitate to switch gears and put Yair on his back and pound him into oblivion.

Frankie did exactly that and whilst Yair has improved I just don't think it's enough to beat someone as good as Volk.

 

[Poirierfan]

I don't see any reason to believe he wouldn't. He doesn't have long left at 135, he's a big boy and the cuts aren't getting any easier.

I think Aljo came in at 1 lbs under his last fight, 134 lbs. Never missed weight one time.