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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 04: In this handout image provided by UFC, Aljamain Sterling interacts with media during the UFC 259 press conference at UFC APEX on March 04, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 04: In this handout image provided by UFC, Aljamain Sterling interacts with media during the UFC 259 press conference at UFC APEX on March 04, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
UFC 280 was a crucial event for the bantamweight division. The division’s title was on the line as champion Aljamain Sterling faced former champion, T.J. Dillashaw. In what was supposed by many to be a number one contender match for the division, rising star Sean O’Malley faced the #1 ranked Petr Yan.
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However, both matches ended in controversy, derailing a lot of fans’ expectations surrounding the division. A lot of fans and fighters are still debating O’Malley’s split decision win over Yan. Sterling’s title fight victory also proved unimpressive, as T.J. Dillashaw’s shoulder injury led to a second-round T.K.O.
Now the champion Aljamain Sterling has expressed his thoughts on UFC president Dana White‘s opinions on the next title contender.
Fans react to Aljamain Sterling accusing Dana White
The narrative going into UFC 280 was that the winner of Yan vs. O’Malley would be the number one contender. However, Dana White changed his stance after the fight. During the post-fight presser, he did not give a clear-cut answer to who will fight Aljamain Sterling for the bantamweight title next. Now Aljamain Sterling has voiced his theories about why White changed his stance and called him the “funniest guy“.
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“After the fight, everything completely changes, and then you throw Henry [Cejudo] in the mix… I almost feel… like they’re looking out for a last hope of someone who can take out Aljamain Sterling,” Sterling said to Ariel Helwani on ‘The MMA Hour’.

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 06: Aljamain Sterling prepares to fight Petr Yan of Russia in their UFC bantamweight championship fight during the UFC 259 event at UFC APEX on March 06, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Fans had a few things to say to ‘Funkmaster’s’ remarks in the comments under the post.
Still frustrated with the decisions at UFC 280, one fan wrote, “At this point bro Aljo could dominate Sean OMalley whole fight but still lose the decision to him. That’s UFC now buddy.”
Another fan commented, “Aljo acting like he been defending the title for years.” Yet another fan added, “Well O’Malley didn’t really win that fight….so.”
One fan gave his analysis of the situation saying, “He wants O’Malley, because although O’Malley proved himself to be in the top 5, he didn’t deserve that win. It’s not about Aljo… it’s about Suga… they want to keep him at the top and make him the next Conor. They don’t give a sh*t about him. He’s not liked nor hated enough to sell out stadiums. O’Malley is…”

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 27: Sean O’Malley reacts after his knockout victory over Thomas Almeida of Brazil in their bantamweight fight during the UFC 260 event at UFC APEX on March 27, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)|Getty Images
One fan supported Dana White’s change of stance. He said, “He changed his mind cause Dana knows people would riot if they see Sean get the shot after that decision against Yan. Having him fight Triple C makes the most sense right now imo.”
Aljamain Sterling’s title reign and division’s future in question
Aljamain Sterling won the title in a controversial manner from Petr Yan. His first title defense was also unconvincing to many. One fan pointed out Sterling contradicting himself. He commented, “I’m pretty sure Cejudo was like the first guy Aljo called out when he won. What is he even talking about lol.”

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 06: Aljamain Sterling reacts after his victory by disqualification over Petr Yan of Russia due to an intentional foul in their UFC bantamweight championship fight during the UFC 259 event at UFC APEX on March 06, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Another fan had a few criticisms for Sterling. He wrote, “He got the belt controversially, and fought mr shoulder pop and some mediocre fights … he believes his hype too much.” One more fan came out pointing their finger at Sterling saying, ” The only reason Aljo is saying this is because he knows that there is a big chance that Cejudo takes his belt. Why else would you say that, because he cares about other fighters? Nah dude, Aljo just scared now.”
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Read More- Petr Yan Sends 3-Word Message After Getting ‘Robbed’ Against Sean O’Malley at UFC 280
Sean O’Malley and Petr Yan went to war for three rounds. While O’Malley proved his grit and skill, many fans believe Yan should have gotten the judges’ nod. Since O’Malley’s victory remains heavily debated, he may not be the best choice for the next title fight. Especially with contenders like Marlon Vera lurking in the division.
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Watch This Story- Henry Cejudo’s journey from Olympic gold to conquering two divisions in the UFC
Who do you think will fight for the bantamweight title next? Let us know in the comments below.
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