Aljamain Sterling Looking To Cash Out Before Leaving MMA
Undefeated UFC bantamweight prospect Aljamain Sterling is an interesting fighter, looking to do interesting things in his career.
Sterling will be another UFC fighter to test the free agency market. Sterling (11-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) is coming off a win over Johnny Eduardo (27-9 MMA, 2-1 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 80 event and that fight was his last fight on his UFC contract.
Sterling said on a recent edition of The MMA Hour that he wants to have a bank account that represents him being a pro athlete when he tests the free agency market.
“I want to have a bank account that represents me being a pro athlete,” Sterling said. “At the end of that of the day, I want a bank account that has the backing of a pro athlete. Right now I’m just trying to look out for myself, look out for future.”
When asked who he would like to fight for, he named all of the other promotions that are rivals to the UFC.
“Whether it’s Bellator, OneFC, World Series, whatever, the door’s open for me,” Sterling said. “Financial stability is the most important thing for me is the most important. To be in the UFC and have the name but not the earnings, good for you, you get a hand clasp and a shake, and a don’t let the door hit you on the way out sort of thing. I want to exit from this sport with my head intact.”
Sterling explained that while he is still young, he plans to leave the sport soon and wants to do it with a big bank account. He makes it clear that he is not asking for Conor McGregor money because he is not at McGregor’s level just yet.
“At the end of the day, I’m 26, four more years til I’m 30,” Sterling said. “I want to cash out. I’m not asking for Conor McGregor checks, I know I’m not there yet. I’m not one to stir up the controversy like that. I think I’ve grown in popularity, pretty sellable persona, and I don’t know man. I put in the hard work, I’ve done it the right way. I’m not asking for handouts, I want to earn my keep, to ask for what I’m asking for, and someone’s going to give it to me.”
It will be interesting if Sterling leaves the UFC or stays. What do you think his decision will be? Let us know.
