When Jon Anik, the longtime voice of the UFC, speaks, fight fans usually listen. Known for his sharp analysis and unwavering presence behind the commentary desk, Anik recently weighed in on the future of Aljamain Sterling — and his words are already stirring debate across the MMA community.
According to Anik, Sterling, the former bantamweight champion, has done enough in his storied career to warrant a featherweight title shot. In a statement that quickly went viral, Anik declared: “History is going to look back fondly upon the legacy of Aljamain Sterling. And I agree he has ‘done enough in this game’ to ask for a title shot at featherweight. He’ll likely need one more win, but he ain’t wrong to ask for a crack.”.jpg)
The message, short yet powerful, perfectly captures the conversation surrounding Sterling as he looks to carve out the next chapter of his career at 145 pounds.
Sterling’s Bantamweight Legacy
To understand why Anik’s comments carry weight, it’s important to reflect on what Sterling has accomplished at bantamweight. Nicknamed “Funk Master,” Sterling rose to the top of one of the UFC’s deepest divisions, capturing the bantamweight title and successfully defending it multiple times.
His championship reign included victories over Petr Yan, TJ Dillashaw, and Henry Cejudo — names that will forever live in UFC history. Each win came with its own unique storyline: the controversial disqualification against Yan that started his title reign, the redemption in their rematch, and the technical dominance displayed against veterans of the sport.
Though his reign ended with a loss to Sean O’Malley, Sterling’s resume at bantamweight is already Hall of Fame worthy. His ability to blend slick grappling with unorthodox striking created a style that gave opponents constant trouble. It’s no wonder Anik believes Sterling’s legacy will be remembered positively.
The Move to Featherweight
With his bantamweight journey complete, Sterling’s decision to move up to featherweight has opened up a new wave of possibilities — and challenges. The 145-pound division is stacked with dangerous contenders, each hungry for a chance at glory. At the top sits Alexander Volkanovski, one of the most dominant champions in UFC history, though Ilia Topuria looms as the next big threat.
Sterling’s grappling-heavy style could present interesting matchups at featherweight, but skeptics question whether his size and frame, perfect for bantamweight, will translate against naturally bigger featherweights. Fighters like Max Holloway, Brian Ortega, and Movsar Evloev bring both physicality and high-level skills that Sterling will need to overcome if he hopes to replicate his bantamweight success.
Why Anik’s Words Matter
Jon Anik is not just another commentator throwing out an opinion. Over the years, he has become a respected figure whose insights often reflect the pulse of the UFC itself. His endorsement of Sterling’s right to ask for a title shot carries symbolic weight, even if it doesn’t guarantee anything.
In essence, Anik is acknowledging that Sterling’s accomplishments at bantamweight — combined with his willingness to challenge himself at featherweight — deserve recognition. Even if the UFC decides Sterling must earn one or two big wins before getting a crack at the belt, the idea that he belongs in the conversation is significant.
What’s Next for Sterling?
The question now is simple: who should Sterling face at featherweight to prove he’s ready for a title shot? Some fans suggest a matchup against a top-five opponent like Brian Ortega, a fight that would test Sterling’s grappling against another submission artist. Others argue that a clash with Max Holloway, the former champion, would provide the ultimate measuring stick for whether Sterling can hang with the best at 145.
Another possible route could be against Movsar Evloev, the undefeated Russian whose wrestling-heavy style would challenge Sterling in areas where he usually dominates.
Whatever the UFC decides, one thing is certain: Sterling’s move to featherweight will be closely watched. His name recognition, combined with his track record of beating elite competition, guarantees that every fight he takes at 145 will carry serious implications.
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For Sterling, the shift to featherweight isn’t just about chasing another belt — it’s about cementing his place among the all-time greats. Winning championships in two different weight classes would elevate his legacy to a new level, joining a select group of UFC legends who have pulled off the feat.
Even if he falls short, Sterling’s body of work at bantamweight already ensures he will be remembered as one of the best to ever compete in the division. Anik’s words reflect this sentiment: history will look kindly on Sterling, regardless of how his featherweight run unfolds.
Conclusion
Jon Anik’s statement may seem simple on the surface, but it speaks volumes about Aljamain Sterling’s career and future. The former bantamweight king has “done enough in this game” to earn respect, recognition, and perhaps even the right to demand a title shot at featherweight.
As Sterling embarks on this new journey, fans will debate, analysts will speculate, and the UFC will decide how to handle his next chapter. But one thing is clear: Sterling isn’t done making history, and the MMA world will be watching closely to see if he can rise once again — this time at 145.
