Aljamain Sterling has shared his thoughts on the possibility of Arman Tsarukyan dropping to featherweight.
Sterling said he would have no issue with Tsarukyan making the move, though he does not believe it is necessary right now. In Sterling’s view, Tsarukyan should face the next top contender in the UFC lightweight rankings instead of changing divisions.
Still, Sterling made it clear that if Tsarukyan decides to cut down to 145 pounds, he would be entering one of the promotion’s deepest weight classes. He pointed to a crowded featherweight field that includes himself, Jean Silva, Youssef Zalal, and Yair Rodriguez, along with rising names like Kevin Vallejos and prospect Lerone Douglas.
According to Sterling, Tsarukyan would not be walking into an easy path if he chooses to make the switch.
“I wouldn’t be upset. I don’t think he needs to do that. He should fight the next top guy in the lightweight rankings. But if he wants to move down, that’s fine, we need maximum competition. There’s me, Jean Silva, Youssef Zalal, Yair Rodriguez, a lot of talented guys. There’s Kevin Vallejos, who’s on the rise right now. There’s young prospect Lerone Douglas. There are a lot of good guys in this division, so the move wouldn’t be a walk in the park, I’m telling you,” Sterling said in an interview with MMAJunkie.
