Aljamain Sterling remains confident in Aaron Pico’s potential despite his recent loss at UFC 319. Sterling, a former UFC bantamweight champion and currently ranked seventh in the featherweight division, closely observed Pico’s fight against Lerone Murphy. Although Pico showed promise during the bout, Sterling expressed concern about Pico’s resilience to heavy strikes.
Sterling noted that Pico’s performance was strong until a critical moment led to a knockout. He remarked,
“100 percent, it was just one tactical error, and something he made a similar mistake in Bellator,”
highlighting that Pico appeared dominant before the finishing blow. Sterling continued,
“He looked great, he looked like a world beater. There was one point where Lerone caught him with one clean shot, where it looked like he shot because he got hurt. I’m curious to see if he’s chinny.”
This demonstrates Sterling’s belief in Pico’s skill but also his caution regarding Pico’s ability to absorb damage.
Adding to his observations, Sterling said,
“That elbow would have knocked anyone out, but does he have the chin to go with his fight style? He’s so aggressive,”
emphasizing the risks Pico faces given his fighting approach. He further commented,
“If he lands first, that’s the fight; if other guys catch him, I don’t know. But, I think he can still make some noise in the division. Pitbull lost his debut and came back and won his second one. We will see how Pathcy does, we will see how Pico bounces back.”
Perspective on Pico’s Future and UFC Featherweight Division Challenges
Sterling believes Aaron Pico has the essential tools to progress and succeed within the UFC’s featherweight ranks. His main concern remains whether Pico can withstand the powerful strikes typical of this division. Sterling’s comments reflect his respect for Pico’s talent and his acknowledgment of the challenges ahead for the young fighter.
Aljamain Sterling Eyes a Title Opportunity with Upcoming UFC Shanghai Bout
Turning to his own career, Aljamain Sterling prepares for an important matchup against Brian Ortega in the co-main event at UFC Shanghai. This fight is crucial for both athletes’ standings within the featherweight division, with Sterling asserting that a win could bring him closer to a title shot.
Sterling explained,
“Right now I think he’s ranked No. 4, I think I’m seventh or eighth. So, I think this is a big win for me to possibly get back into the top five. If I can do that, things are going to be looking pretty good for me to getting a title shot opportunity, probably at this point after Lerone Murphy. Then there’s Movsar (Evloev), then there’s Jean Silva vs. Diego, so there’s a lot of fun matchups happening at this weight class right now. I think for both Brian and I, this is one of those high-stakes matchups where winner takes all.”
Sterling’s professional record stands at 24 wins and 5 losses, with his previous fight ending in a decision loss to Movsar Evloev. His upcoming contest is viewed as a critical step toward reclaiming a title contender status in the highly competitive featherweight division.
Significance of Sterling’s Insights on UFC’s Featherweight Dynamics
Sterling’s assessment of Aaron Pico offers valuable insight into the challenges new fighters face in the UFC, particularly regarding durability and tactical execution. His optimism about Pico’s capacity to rebound highlights the competitive nature of the featherweight division and the possibility for newcomers to make a significant impact. Meanwhile, Sterling’s own path underscores the ongoing battles among top contenders aiming for title shots in a division filled with dynamic athletes.