Aljamain Sterling rips 'nonsense' Volkanovski vs. Lopes title rematch

Aljamain Sterling calls on fans to complain about the UFC's matchmaking for the featherweight title.

Alexander Volkanovski's first title defense will come against the man he beat less than eight months ago to claim the vacant featherweight title. After shutting out Diego Lopes (27-7 MMA, 6-2 UFC) at UFC 314, Volkanovski (27-4 MMA, 14-3 UFC) will run things back with him in the UFC 325 headliner on Jan. 31 at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney (Paramount+).

Undefeated contenders Lerone Murphy and Movsar Evloev had something to say about the UFC's decision, and former champion Sterling completely understands their complaints.

"I agree with Lerone. Even if I didn’t get it, him or Movsar for sure should’ve been the guy. Movsar got passed over by Lopes once, and he gets another opportunity for gold lol. Fair play to Lopes, but you can see why guys start to lose love for the game. Cold world."

Sterling urges everyone to vocalize their discontent, as he believes the UFC's decisions are based on entertaining the fans. But if the fans themselves are calling injustice, Sterling says they need to be loud about it.

"It’s up to the fans to start complaining about this nonsense. It’s obvious the fighters can’t do anything but fight who they offer us. The UFC caters to YOU fans. Do you guys want merit or popularity in these marquee fights? Speak on it. All of you."

The UFC 324 main event also features questionable matchmaking in many's eyes. With lightweight champion Ilia Topuria taking some time off, Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje will battle for the interim title, leaving clear contender Arman Tsarukyan out of the picture.

"It’s 110% not what it used to be. I ride for the company but this sh*t is beyond frustrating! I get their POV, but stop saying we give the fans the fights that they want to see and we make the BEST fight the BEST! It’s way more frequent now and extremely hard to ignore. Especially at your weight class."

Sterling recalls how his good friend, UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, went through a tough road to get his title opportunity.

"All I ask is that the fans let their voices be heard. Again, I don’t blame Lopes for taking it, just like the first title fight, but it’s shitty and has no respect for the rankings or merit of earning your keep. They tried to deny Merab, and now they LOVE him. Give guys a chance because you never know what they’ll be."

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC 325: Aljamain Sterling rips 'nonsense' Volkanovski-Lopes rematch