What Should Be Next for Aljamain Sterling After UFC Shanghai?

What Should Be Next for Aljamain Sterling After UFC Shanghai?11 hours ago

At UFC Fight Night 257 in Shanghai, former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling put on a masterclass in his catchweight bout against Brian Ortega, winning a dominant unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45). Sterling kept Ortega off balance with jabs, leg kicks, and constant lateral movement while mixing in timely takedowns and top control in the later rounds. Ortega had no answers for Sterling’s pace or defense, and the win pushed Sterling’s record to 25–5, solidifying his new run at featherweight after a successful career at bantamweight.

The most logical next step for Sterling is a showdown with Yair Rodríguez. Ranked #3 at featherweight, Rodríguez is coming off a strong decision win over Patrício Pitbull at UFC 314. A former interim champion known for his flashy striking and durability, Rodríguez presents a stylistic test very different from Ortega. His length, creativity, and knockout potential would challenge Sterling’s defensive acumen and force him to prove whether his wrestling and control can neutralize an elite striker at 145 pounds.

Stylistically, this matchup makes perfect sense. Sterling thrives when he can dictate range with his jab and then close distance for grappling exchanges, while Rodríguez prefers wild scrambles and unorthodox striking angles that disrupt rhythm. If Sterling can ground Rodríguez consistently, he could secure another statement win and move closer to a title shot. On the other hand, Rodríguez’s explosiveness and striking variety might expose Sterling if he can’t control the fight’s pace.

Last Five Fights – Aljamain Sterling:

1. Win over Brian Ortega – Decision (unanimous), UFC Fight Night 257 (August 23, 2025)
2. Loss to Movsar Evloev – Decision (unanimous), UFC 310 (December 7, 2024)
3. Win over Calvin Kattar – Decision (unanimous), UFC 300 (April 13, 2024)
4. Loss to Sean O’Malley – TKO (punches), UFC 292 (August 19, 2023)
5. Win over Henry Cejudo – Decision (split), UFC 288 (May 6, 2023)

Last Five Fights – Yair Rodríguez:

1. Win over Patrício Pitbull – Decision (unanimous), UFC 314 (April 12, 2025)
2. Loss to Brian Ortega – Submission (arm-triangle choke), UFC Fight Night (February 24, 2024)
3. Loss to Alexander Volkanovski – TKO (punches), UFC 290 (July 8, 2023)
4. Win over Josh Emmett – Submission (triangle choke), UFC 284 (February 12, 2023)
5. Win over Brian Ortega – TKO (shoulder injury), UFC on ABC (July 16, 2022)