Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Aljamain Sterling Chooses Between Himself, Dominick Cruz & TJ Dillashaw For Greatest Bantamweight Of All Time

Originally posted on MMA News | Last updated 8/17/23

Aljamain Sterling doesn’t mind whether fans consider him or Dominick Cruz to be the bantamweight GOAT, however he does believe that TJ Dillashaw doesn’t belong in that conversation anymore.

“Funk Master” will try to defend his bantamweight title for a fourth time when he meets Sean O’Malley in the main event of UFC 292 this weekend. O’Malley is the first fighter Sterling has faced during his title reign that isn’t a former champion, however the 28-year-old’s massive popularity has helped make this matchup one of the most highly-anticipated fights of the year.

Jon Anik recently declared that Sterling has already established himself as the GOAT of the bantamweight division, and Aaron Bronsteter asked the champion for his thoughts on that statement during an interview with TSN.

“I mean for me, I’m very comfortable in the body of work that I’ve put out there,” Sterling said. “Look at all the guys I’ve beaten that are still in the UFC, still winning in the UFC. I’ve beat a lot of credible guys, I’ve beat a lot of guys in modern day MMA when the skillsets are – I would think everyone would agree, the skillsets have grown. So with that being said, I think I have a pretty good case. If people say it’s me, if they say it’s Dominick Cruz, that’s good company to be involved with.”

Aljamain Sterling Dismisses TJ Dillashaw As Candidate For Bantamweight GOAT

The other name that’s typically brought up regarding the bantamweight GOAT conversation is two-time UFC champion Dillashaw, however Sterling believes that the 37-year-old’s failed drug test for EPO takes him out of the running for that title.

“TJ’s not really in the race for me. I think you automatically disqualify yourself when you cheat. That’s my personal opinion, and I think he’s been cheating for a very, very long time. But that’s neither here nor there. I still enjoy watching him fight, but I think when you have an advantage and a lot of those wins are questionable in how he’s done it, then it kind of puts a little bit of a damper on things. And I think Dominick Cruz and I have done it the right way.”

Cruz’s days of contending for the bantamweight title are likely behind him at this point, however “The Dominator” was the first 135 lbs. champion in UFC history and managed to win the belt a second time despite losing a significant portion of his prime to injuries.

Sterling's current nine-fight win streak with three title defenses is certainly one of the most impressive runs in UFC history regardless of weight class, and can add to his case for being the bantamweight GOAT if he defeats O’Malley at UFC 292 before he potentially tries to chase another title in the featherweight division.

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