Sterling tells White to 'cut the games,' give him title shot vs. Yan
Aljamain Sterling isn't happy with UFC president Dana White.
The bantamweight contender expressed frustration in a series of tweets Sunday after White said he wasn't sure whether newly crowned champion Petr Yan would defend his title against Sterling or someone else.
Yan beat Jose Aldo via fifth-round TKO to win the vacant belt at UFC 251 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Saturday.
After Sterling defeated Cory Sandhagen in June, White said "Funk Master" was next in line to fight the winner of Saturday's title bout. Sterling is riding a five-fight winning streak, and his UFC 250 matchup against Sandhagen was widely viewed as a No. 1 contender clash.
There is NOTHING to THINK about @danawhite! I am the next guy in line! I earned my shot and it’s time for me to realize a dream! Cut the games! #UFC251
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) July 12, 2020
1000%!!! Sandhagen has a BETTER resume than Yan, and I finished the fight early! What tf else do I need to do?! Seriously starting feel like I’m the most hated guy by the UFC brass. Wtf did I go wrong? Must be that I’m good at grappling just like the 155 lb king. Makes sense 🙄 https://t.co/2qoKZiAnY6
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) July 12, 2020
White has said many times that he doesn't book new fights on the same night of a card. In response Saturday night to a question about the chances of Sterling getting the next title shot, White said he's only thinking about next Wednesday's event.
However, White said later in the postfight press conference that welterweight champion Kamaru Usman's next opponent will be Gilbert Burns. To Sterling, the No. 2-ranked bantamweight, White's comments seemed contradictory.
According to Dana, he doesn’t “know yet”. He can’t think past Wednesday, but knows Burns is next. Like what?! 😑 https://t.co/649h3t76Lb
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) July 12, 2020
The direction this sport has gone in is baffling. I wish they’d just come out and say, “the UFC rankings don’t mean shit. We’re just gonna do whatever tf we want bud.”
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) July 12, 2020
All this hustling and I can’t ever get a clear road. My star will keep shining! https://t.co/cUzsFOmvdc