The feud between Dana White who is the head honcho of the UFC, and the “Funkmaster Flex” Aljamain Sterling has shown no signs of simmering down. Sterling’s recent remarks about UFC 292 prompted a spirited reaction from the UFC president. In an interview with FanSided, White didn’t hold back when addressing Sterling’s comments regarding the upcoming event. “I’m not the one going around saying, ‘If my body holds up,’ while promoting a fight. If you’re not fit to fight, don’t take the bout,” White retorted.
Injury Hurdles and Recognition Struggles: Aljamain Sterling vs. Dana White in UFC Showdown
Dana continued, emphasizing the potential consequences of such statements: “We can always find someone else to fight and establish an interim title. Don’t claim you’ll step into the octagon and then start making remarks like, ‘If my body holds up.’ What do you think the fans will make of that? How is that not giving him credit?” The clash between White and Sterling began at the post-fight press conference of UFC Vegas 73.
Although if Sterling hadn’t formally committed to the bout, the UFC had already confirmed his upcoming bantamweight championship defense against Sean O’Malley on August 19. While Sterling eventually accepted the date, he made it clear that he was grappling with lingering injuries from his battle against Henry Cejudo just a few weeks earlier. It’s worth noting that UFC 292 will mark Sterling’s fourth title fight in a 16-month period.
Aljamain Sterling fires back at Dana White after he keeps criticizing him pic.twitter.com/E8butA6ZNW
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Not one to shy away from confrontation, Sterling promptly fired back at Dana White’s criticisms. He questioned the UFC president’s reluctance to acknowledge his achievements, saying, “Why can’t you give credit where credit is due?” Sterling expressed his frustration with White’s public statements, demanding more transparency behind closed doors. He acknowledged his willingness to play a character but insisted that being portrayed negatively without his consent was unacceptable.
Sterling listed his accomplishments, including victories over former champions Petr Yan and T.J. Dillashaw, and even his triumph over Henry Cejudo while nursing a partially torn bicep tendon. He concluded by urging White to recognize his efforts as an active and dedicated champion. Meanwhile, Sean O’Malley, Sterling’s upcoming opponent, shrugged off the injury hurdles faced by the bantamweight champion. O’Malley, known for his discipline, dismissed Sterling’s concerns with a witty remark: “It’s called discipline.” The rising star seemed unfazed by Sterling’s physical setbacks and remained focused on the upcoming clash.
Beyond the Octagon: The Clash of Recognition and Legacy in UFC 292
In response to Sterling’s remarks, Dana White brushed off the notion that he hasn’t given the champion his due credit. He reiterated his points from the previous press conference, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the booking of the fight. Aljamain Sterling’s feud with Dana White aside, the bantamweight champion boasts an impressive resume.
Additionally, Sterling has successfully defended his title multiple times, setting the benchmark for consecutive bantamweight title defenses. A win against Sean O’Malley at UFC 292 would secure his position as the sole record holder for most total title defenses in UFC bantamweight history. The tension between Dana White and Aljamain Sterling continues to add spice to the UFC landscape. As the date for UFC 292 approaches, fans eagerly await the outcome of this clash between two formidable opponents.
Let us know your thoughts on the ongoing feud between Dana White and Aljamain Sterling. Do you think Sterling’s comments about his potential injury concerns were justified, or do you side with Dana White’s response?
