Aljamain Sterling’s Dominant Win Hides Major Injury
Aljamain Sterling may have looked in complete control during his unanimous decision victory over Brian Ortega at UFC Shanghai, but he later admitted that the fight was far from easy. The co-main event, originally booked at featherweight but shifted to catchweight after Ortega missed weight, turned into a five-round showcase for Sterling’s striking and grappling. Still, Sterling revealed that a brutal elbow injury left him fighting in panic mode by the fourth round.
“That last elbow I landed in round four, I really couldn’t even keep my arm up to defend myself,” Sterling explained after the fight. “When Ortega came forward, it felt like a living nightmare. Thankfully, he made a mistake, and I capitalized with my grappling.”
Sterling Shows Off His Striking at UFC Shanghai
While fans expected Sterling to rely on his wrestling, the former bantamweight champion surprised many by outstriking Ortega for much of the fight. The elbow issue may have slowed him down late, but he kept his composure, circling intelligently and landing sharp counters. For Sterling, this win was not only about bouncing back after losing to Movsar Evloev earlier in the year, but also proving he could dominate on the feet.
Ortega, who has a history of struggling with weight cuts, entered the fight looking drained. Sterling didn’t let that affect his focus. “He’s been in tough spots before and still delivered,” Sterling said. “I wasn’t about to underestimate him.”
What’s Next for Sterling?
Following his win, Sterling wasted no time calling for a showdown with reigning featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski. At 36 years old, Sterling believes now is the time for two veterans to clash. Still, he acknowledged that surging contender Lerone Murphy may get the nod first after his highlight-reel knockout of Aaron Pico at UFC 319.
“Volkanovski and I are the same age—two old dogs still at the top,” Sterling said. “Lerone’s a beast, but he’s younger and has time. If the UFC wants me in December, I’m ready.”
Whether Sterling gets Volkanovski, Murphy, or another top featherweight, UFC Shanghai proved that the “Funk Master” is still very much a contender—even while battling through what he described as a living nightmare inside the Octagon.
