The noted UFC bantamweight champ, Aljamain Sterling, proved his worth as a champion at UFC 288 yet again. ‘Funk Master’ went on to earn a unanimous decision victory against the noted former UFC champ Henry Cejudo. But the things that followed his title defense weren’t pretty for him. The upcoming title contender, Sean O’Malley, also made his way into the octagon after the bout. Further, they got into a heated altercation inside the octagon, which got the crowd to their feet. This is probably the reason why the UFC boss, Dana White, decided to sanction this bout as soon as possible.
But this led to a feud between White and Sterling as well. The 34-year-old expressed his opinion stating White should have consulted him before booking his next fight. Despite all of this, Sterling will walk out to the octagon for his fourth title defense bout against O’Malley at UFC 292 on 18 August. A number of fans might have also noticed that despite living in America, ‘Aljo’ doesn’t carry an American flag while walkouts and after winning. It might be due to his personal beliefs unknown to most of the UFC community. So let’s dive right in to know a bit more about the same.
Aljamain Sterling’s religion and ethnicity
Sterling was born to Jamaican parents Cleveland Sterling and Sophia Sterling. He has also revealed multiple times that he was born and brought up in Uniondale, New York. Born into a family following Christianity, Sterling also didn’t resist the family tradition and accepted it as his own religion.
A number of fans might be well aware of these facts while others may not be so. Sterling’s name, ‘Aljamain’ has caused some confusion among a number of fans as they identified Sterling as a Muslim. But, such rumors have no truth to them. ‘Aljo’ continues to be a Christian to date.
Why doesn’t Aljamain Sterling carry an American flag?
Due to his birth in the US, most fans might think that Sterling would recognize himself as an American. Some might also expect him to display the stars and the stripes during his walkouts and victories, similar to other American fighters like Michael Chandler and Colby Covington.
But ‘Aljo’ carrying a Jamaican flag during his entry and after victories might have pushed several fans towards speculations. While the reality is that Sterling feels more connected to his Jamaican roots since he was born to both Jamaican parents. Although he spent most of his childhood in the US, Sterling might feel a little less attached to his identity as an American.
Even if he feels so, it’s quite apparent that ‘Aljo’ prefers displaying himself as an individual from the country where his roots lie. However, there are instances where he has walked out with a dual-sided flag showcasing the Jamaican colors on one side and the American stars and stripes on the other.
Aljamain Sterling’s next fight at UFC 292
The noted UFC Bantamweight champ will take on the famed ‘Sugar’ Sean O’Malley for his next title defense at the main event of UFC 292. The post-UFC 288 altercation between the two stands as proof of the bad blood between them. It has also hyped up the fight insanely, with the fans counting down the hours until the fight.
Most UFC fans are well aware of ‘Sugar’s’ prowess in striking. He would also be at an advantage due to his height, which would provide him with a longer reach. However, it won’t be wrong to say O’Malley will prefer a standup fight. With striking being his best weapon, it’s quite understandable ‘Sugar’ will try to avoid going to the ground with Sterling.
‘Funk Master’s’ prowess on the ground due to his wrestling background might be too much for O’Malley to survive. But it will also be interesting to watch how Sterling matches up with his opponent when the fight is on feet.
Watch this Story – “I’m Gonna Take Him to Dark Waters”- Aljamain Sterling Lays Bare His Intentions for Sean O’Malley for UFC 292 Amid Back and Forth With Title Contender
In whose favor do you think this bout will eventually go? Will we get to see a new UFC Bantamweight champion?
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