Aljamain Sterling: I think Dana White ‘might dislike [Movsar Evloev] more than me … that’s a good thing’

Aljamain Sterling may lack the “Dana White privilege” often cited in UFC circles, but the former bantamweight champion believes he still enjoys more favor with his boss than his upcoming opponent, Movsar Evloev.

As Sterling gears up for his second bout at featherweight, set for UFC 310 this Saturday, he weighed in on the criticism aimed at Evloev, who boasts an undefeated 8-0 record in the UFC but has yet to secure a finish. UFC CEO Dana White has been one of Evloev’s harshest critics, notably slamming his January fight against Arnold Allen as dull and uninspiring.

“That was the least fun fight anybody has ever seen,” White said after the bout. “Do you know who lost that fight? The fans.”

Sterling, who has also been on the receiving end of White’s ire, couldn’t help but chuckle at seeing someone else in the crosshairs.

“I can appreciate a technical fight,” Sterling remarked. “I wouldn’t call him boring. I think Dana saying the fight with Arnold Allen was boring was a bit of a stretch. Most people would agree with that. But hey, maybe Dana dislikes Movsar more than me. That’s a win in my book!”

While Sterling respects Evloev’s ability to secure victories, he acknowledges that fans crave finishes—something the Russian fighter has yet to deliver in his UFC career.

“Eight fights, no finishes, all decisions,” Sterling pointed out. “At least I’ve got some finishes on my record, especially early in my career when the competition wasn’t as stiff. That’s the expectation—separate yourself from the pack, and I’ve done that. Against the best, it’s harder to get finishes, but I plan to change that narrative on Saturday.”

Despite the high stakes, with the winner potentially moving into title contention, Sterling and Evloev have been relegated to the prelims rather than the main card at UFC 310—a decision Sterling finds puzzling.

“I don’t understand it because I haven’t spoken to the UFC about it,” Sterling admitted. “But my paycheck doesn’t change based on where I’m placed. Prelims do have a bigger audience watching at home, which is a silver lining. The downside is fighting in Vegas. Early prelim fights often have half-empty arenas because people are out at dinners or partying. That’s a bit of a bummer, but hey, a win is a win, and I’m celebrating with my friends and family, drinking some Funk Harbor afterward.”

Fans and fellow fighters alike have voiced their disapproval of the bout’s placement. Bryce Mitchell, who occupies a main card slot, even suggested that Sterling deserved his position. However, the controversy has sparked a wave of fan support for Sterling, a welcome shift for the fighter.

“Fans have really rallied behind me, which hasn’t always been the case,” Sterling said. “When I lost the belt, people started coming back around. It’s like when I beat Cory Sandhagen and Pedro Munhoz, I was the people’s champ. Then I got kneed in the head, and I somehow became the villain. It’s nice to feel the love again.”

Sterling’s focus remains locked on the fight, aiming to deliver an electrifying performance that will silence critics and push him closer to featherweight gold.