Aljamain Sterling is one of the most hated fighters in all of the UFC. Despite being skilled enough to be a primary fighter in the bantamweight division, Aljamain Sterling has been the recipient of various forms of hate and doubt. This is owing to the way he earned his belt during his last fight against Petr Yan. 

There was widespread criticism of him getting the belt, given that the statistics showed him being dominated throughout the fight until Yan landed an illegal blow. Rules are rules, though, and Aljamain Sterling won the fight with a disqualification. Being called ‘Paper champ’ and other names can affect the fighter when they’re in the game. 

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In an interview with MMA Junkie, Sterling talked about how things have been leading up to UFC 273. This included his mental state, preparation, and outlook on the fans leading up to the fight. When asked about how important it was for Sterling to try and win fans over on April 9th, this is what the champion had to say. 

Aljamain Sterling: Popularity is a double-edged sword in the UFC 

“Um, yes and no. At the end of the day, as long as they respect what I’ve done, that’s it. I don’t need them to like me. I don’t need them to come up to me asking for pictures and that type of thing. Like that stuff, it’s honestly for the birds. Like who gives a s*** about that? that shit can fly away at any given moment.” Stated Sterling. 

He further added, “Like I really don’t understand people that do shit like that. Um, but at the end of the day, like I don’t get anything out of it, I’m in the sport to make fucking money. To cement my name in history amongst the greatest bantamweights of all time, and that’s really it. Like everything else is icing on the cake.” 

The bantamweight champ seems unfazed by all the noise he’s been hearing for the past year or so. He definitely won the belt, but at what cost? His reputation as a fighter has been in contention since he won the belt, and that is the worst way a fighter can be tested. People doubting their worthiness of being a champion. 

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Either way, Aljamain Sterling wishes to finish the Yan fight with top marks and intends to make the most money he can. Furthermore, he wants to go down as one of the greatest bantamweights of all time. UFC 273 could not come sooner.