Aljamain Sterling wants Jean Silva fight to decide UFC No. 1 contender

Aljamain Sterling is proposing a bout with Jean Silva to determine the next featherweight title challenger for the UFC, believing the winner should face Alexander Volkanovski or Movsar Evloev down the line.

Silva recently submitted Jose Delgado in the third round at Noche UFC 4 and immediately called for a title shot. Sterling, riding a streak of recent victories and seeking high-stakes matchups, believes Silva must first prove himself against the former bantamweight champion. Sterling initially suggested a November fight at Madison Square Garden but is flexible on timing, open to a December bout that allows Silva adequate recovery and preparation.

"I want to give him the fair opportunity to heal, be ready, be the best version of himself," Sterling said on his YouTube channel, adding that the proposed matchup makes strategic sense for the division. With Volkanovski and Evloev set to collide at UFC 333 in October, a Sterling-Silva clash would provide a clear contender by year's end. Sterling noted that he has defeated Brian Ortega and Youssef Zalal recently and holds a 3-1 record since moving up to 145 pounds, with his lone featherweight loss coming in a Fight of the Night against Evloev in 2024.

At 37 years old, Sterling emphasized his urgency to fight meaningful opponents. "I'm 37. It's time to shit or get off the pot," he said, stressing he pursues only bouts that advance his career rather than padding his record.