Sterling pulls out of UFC 307 bout vs. Evloev due to injury
Former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling announced Wednesday that he is pulling out of his featherweight bout against Movsar Evloev due to injury.
Sterling sustained an elbow injury that doesn't require surgery, sources told MMA Fighting's Damon Martin.
"Unfortunately, I have to break the news I will not be competing in Salt Lake City at UFC 307," Sterling said. "In sparring, I had an injury not requiring surgery, but I was advised by the UFC medical staff that I will not be able to properly compete in this short of a turnaround."
I believe God has a plan and is protecting me to give my best for @MovsarUFC. I need all my tools for an opponent like Movsar and hopefully he’s willing to fight me when I’m healed up. Thank you to the @UFC medical team for looking out for my health and protecting me from myself.… pic.twitter.com/9nJVf14mew
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) September 18, 2024
The 35-year-old made his debut in the 145-pound division with a win over Calvin Kattar at UFC 300 in April. Sterling moved up in weight class after dropping the bantamweight title to Sean O'Malley at UFC 292 in Aug. 2023.
Sterling posted a clip of himself sparring with Jeremy Kennedy that appears to show when he initially sustained the ailment. The "Funk Master" shared that he attempted to use stem cell treatment, rest, and rehab in time to be prepared for the bout.
"I apologize to Movsar and his team. We've been talking and I was really looking forward to punching this guy in his face," Sterling said.
The UFC hasn't rebooked Evloev (18-0) against a different opponent, and it's uncertain if he will remain on the October card. The No. 6 featherweight said he would like to remain on the card and is open to fighting anyone.
I see Aljamain announced on his YouTube channel that he is out of the fight. I’ve been training for 4 months and would like to stay on this card and fight anybody, I’m not sure if the UFC can find someone to fight me but I worked really hard for this fight
— Movsar Evloev (@MovsarUFC) September 18, 2024
Sterling is hopeful that the pair can push the fight date back.
"Movsar, if you still really want to punch this handsome face, I put the challenge out to you to push the fight back and wait," Sterling said. "Wait for daddy. I will be back soon. Possibly do this in December."