UFC heavyweight champ Aljamain Sterling has been swept away from his latest title defense, and he’s already lined up his next fight. The only problem now was making sure his body could keep up with those plans.
On Tuesday, UFC President Dana White announced a number of high-profile matches that will take place over the coming months. Among them was Sterling’s next title fight, which will take place at UFC 292 against Sean O’Malley at Boston’s TD Garden on August 19.
Sterling just defended his title against 2nd Division Champion Henry Cejudo at UFC 288 in New Jersey, winning by split decision. The fight against O’Malley will be the fastest turnaround in Sterling’s race, and the champion hopes his body can recover from the ailments after the Sejudo fight so he can properly prepare for his next challenger.
“I’m still injured and my legs are banged,” Sterling said on his podcast. Weekly Scraps. “My biceps are still bad. I’m supposed to get another MRI on that. I’m trying to fight that fight in August. We’ve talked a little bit about it, and we’ll try to see if we can make it happen. But my legs are still very sensitive.” I hope I don’t spoil anything by saying that, but you guys, I just fought.”
After Sterling defeated Peter Yan at UFC 273 by split decision, he fought former champion TJ Dillashaw six months later and won by TKO in the second round to mark his second title defense. This was the quickest turnaround of his title career, to date. Although still hitting hard after playing 25 minutes against Cejudo, Sterling agreed to fight O’Malley in August.
“I told them yes, I agree verbally,” Sterling said. “But, of course, my body has to agree. It’s kind of like Manel Capy vs. Devson Figueiredo and I thought he was good for the fight, and then he appointed him – whatever, whatever. Then I have to test my biceps again to see because I definitely feel like I’ve done I adjusted it in combat, but it held.Even bending now hurts.
“So, I don’t know. We’ll see. So, you guys have the inside scoop. I’m going to try and make it happen. It’s going to be a sick, crazy detour. But where there’s the will, there’s a way.”