Aljamain Sterling Withdraws from UFC 307

In a surprising turn of events, Aljamain Sterling has officially pulled out of his highly anticipated match against Movsar Evloev at UFC 307 due to an injury sustained during training. This marked an important fight for Sterling as he aimed to establish himself in the featherweight division following his title loss in the bantamweight category.

Injury Details and Recovery

The former bantamweight champion, who dropped his title to Sean O'Malley in August 2023, was eager to make a significant impact in his second fight as a featherweight. However, the injury he encountered in sparring has forced him to reconsider his immediate plans. In a recent video posted to his YouTube channel, Sterling candidly discussed the extent of his injury while providing fans with footage showcasing the shoulder issue.

“I had an injury during sparring,” Sterling explained in his video update. “I did stem cell therapy and took some time off, trying to rehab as best as I could with the support of the UFC Performance Institute. Unfortunately, it’s now out of my hands.”

Future Prospects

Despite the setback, Sterling remains hopeful about his future in the octagon. Currently ranked as the No. 9 featherweight in the UFC, he made a notable debut at 145 pounds when he faced and defeated Calvin Kattar at UFC 300. Although he won’t be able to compete on October 5, he indicated that his shoulder injury won’t require surgery, and he is optimistic that a fight with Evloev could be rescheduled for December.

Movsar Evloev's Situation

On the other hand, Evloev, ranked No. 6 in the featherweight division, has not seen action since his decision victory over Arnold Allen in January. Known for his grappling prowess and well-rounded skill set, Evloev boasts a track record that includes wins over contenders like Diego Lopes and Dan Ige. His undefeated record makes the prospect of a fight with Sterling all the more compelling, and both fighters will be eager to clash once Sterling has sufficiently recovered.

Conclusion

Fans are left disappointed but understanding, as injury can often derail the best-laid plans for athletes in such a physically demanding sport. Stay tuned for updates on Sterling's recovery and the potential rescheduling of this highly anticipated featherweight bout!