A dominant force in the UFC, Alzman Sterling has never been the poster boy for the organization, despite his impressive tenure as champion. Although he and UFC CEO Dana White have mutual respect, Sterling recently opened up about the intricacies of their relationship, shedding light on how one of the most influential figures in MMA respect.
Known as the ‘Funk Master’, Alzman Sterling has established himself as a top fighter, successfully defending his title three times. But despite his accomplishments, he admits he’s never been a big UFC headliner. Sterling’s candid admission came in a recent interview, where he admitted that while Dana White has always treated him with respect, he knows he’s not considered the UFC’s biggest draw
“I think we’re good behind the cameras and the press. Dana to me he’s always been a nice, respectful person. But when it comes to business, I know I’m not his cash cow,” Sterling shared with Eric Nicsic. “If he can put someone else in the driver’s seat to take his career where he wants to go, he will, and I understand it.”
Sterling Embraces Entrepreneurial Reality
Despite the mutual respect, Sterling acknowledged the fact that Dana White prioritizes business over personal relationships. He understands that, in White’s eyes, UFC success is often associated with the fighters who bring in the most money. While Sterling doesn’t take it personally, there’s clearly lingering dissatisfaction.
“I don’t try to take these things personally, although part of me really wants to because it still feels that way… but I can put the ego aside and understand the reasoning behind it,” Sterling accepts toom.
Sean O’Malley: The Golden Boy of the UFC
Unlike his own experience, Sterling pointed out how the UFC has rolled out the red carpet for other fighters, particularly Sean O’Malley. The tension between Sterling and O’Malley is no secret, even after losing the title to ‘Suga’, Sterling still challenged O’Malley to move up
“He fights a ranked guy, gets a title shot, split decision, everything. I don’t hate this; It calls a bow a bow,” Sterling said. He attributes O’Malley’s rapid ascent to UFC bias, suggesting that the organization has set O’Malley up to win at the expense of others.
Controversial UFC 292 first
Sterling’s frustration with the UFC extends beyond just his relationship with White. He also referenced-up to UFC 292, where footage from Roku’s UFC docuseries pressed UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell to withdraw from the fight even if Sterling wasn’t feeling his best The story sparked outrage among fans who took to social media to address the UFC’s position They were criticized.
“The UFC wanted to give him the best chance to become a world champion by disrupting and stacking the deck against his opponent,” Sterling said, referring to the pressure put on him during UFC 292 preparations profile.
What’s next for Sterling and O’Malley?
As Sterling prepares for his next birdie heavyweight fight against Mowser Evloev, the tension between him and O’Malley remains unresolved. Fans are eagerly awaiting O’Malley’s reaction to Sterling’s latest comments, as the two fighters clearly have unfinished business.
Sterling’s revelations provide a rare glimpse into the UFC’s dynamics and executive decisions that often overshadow personal relationships. As he goes about his career, Sterling’s honesty and willingness to speak out set him apart, even though he’s not the UFC’s designated poster boy.
