Mon Sep 23 21:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Injured Aljamain Sterling Eyes Diego Lopes as Potential Next Opponent

Former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling, forced to withdraw from his scheduled featherweight bout against Movsar Evloev at UFC 307 due to an elbow injury, has set his sights on a new opponent: Diego Lopes.

Sterling, who hopes to return in December, revealed he suffered a low-grade tear in his elbow during training, requiring physical therapy and limiting his training. While he’s keeping in shape in case Evloev remains an option, he’s already considering other fights, particularly Lopes.

“Maybe Diego Lopes?” Sterling suggested. “Maybe that will be a battle for the [No.] 3 [ranking].”

Lopes, the 2023 Rookie of the Year, recently earned a unanimous decision victory over Brian Ortega at UFC 306, catapulting him to the No. 5 spot in the featherweight rankings.

Sterling, who sees Lopes as a “risk vs. reward” fight, believes it offers a clear path towards a title shot. He is open to facing other opponents but considers Lopes the most logical next step given the current landscape of the division.

“If we’re talking the next best fight, if Movsar declines, I just don’t know who else would he fight? But if you give me the option, I always wanted Brian Ortega so I could get the closest spot to the top, and now that next closest guy is Diego Lopes,” Sterling explained.

Sterling’s last appearance was at UFC 300, where he earned a unanimous decision victory over Calvin Kattar in his featherweight debut. He currently holds a 24-4 record in his MMA career.

With Evloev potentially seeking a different opponent due to Sterling’s injury, the UFC is now searching for a suitable replacement for the UFC 307 bout. While no official announcement has been made, the possibility of a Sterling vs. Lopes clash is gaining momentum, setting the stage for a potentially exciting showdown in the featherweight division.

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