Aljamain Sterling has openly invited his teammate Merab Dvalishvili to compete in a wrestling match under the Real American Freestyle (RAF) banner, marking a unique challenge between two longtime friends and training partners. Although both fighters have declined to meet in mixed martial arts (MMA) competition, Sterling’s recent statement suggests he is willing to face Dvalishvili in a pure wrestling context, highlighting their evolving dynamic within the sport.
This proposal comes at a time when Sterling is pushing for a title opportunity in the featherweight division, while Dvalishvili is in the process of recovering from a recent loss in a UFC championship bout. The potential wrestling match could provide a fresh competitive angle for the duo, who have been closely linked throughout their respective careers.
The Foundation of a Strong Teammate Relationship
Both Sterling and Dvalishvili have spent years training side-by-side at the Serra-Longo Fight Team in Long Island, New York, under the guidance of coaches Matt Serra and Ray Longo. Their partnership extends beyond the gym, as they have supported each other professionally, often serving as cornermen during championship fights. This mutual respect has grown into a bond considered by many in the MMA community as akin to family, underscoring why they have consistently avoided competing against each other inside the UFC octagon.
Recently, both athletes joined RAF, a wrestling-focused promotion, with Sterling already making his debut at RAF 06 by defeating former UFC champion Benson Henderson via technical fall. Dvalishvili is scheduled to appear at RAF 08 in April, situating the teammates under the same competitive organization. This shared platform prompted questions about the possibility of a wrestling confrontation between them.
Sterling’s Interest and Concerns About the Match
Aljamain Sterling expressed mixed feelings about the potential wrestling bout, emphasizing the competitive intensity both fighters possess, which might lead to a heated contest. He explained,
“I feel like it might get a little chippy because I know how he is and I know how I am. That’s why we wouldn’t fight, because I know it wouldn’t end well. If he would be down to do it, I would be down to do it too.”
This candid admission highlights the respect and caution underpinning their friendship, yet also a willingness to embrace the challenge if Dvalishvili agrees.
History of Refusal to Compete Against Each Other in MMA
During their pursuits of championship titles, the UFC reportedly explored the option of scheduling a fight between Sterling and Dvalishvili. However, both athletes declined the opportunity, prioritizing their personal and professional relationship over competition. This decision drew reproach from UFC President Dana White, who has consistently stated that fighters should face any opponent assigned to them in pursuit of meritocratic rankings and titles. The tension between loyalty and competitive obligation remains a notable subplot in their careers.
Demonstrations of Their Bond Beyond Competition
The depth of their alliance is evident outside of the cage as well. Notably, Sterling accompanied Dvalishvili as a cornerman at UFC 320 just one day before his own wedding, illustrating the level of commitment they have toward each other’s success. Sterling played an active role during fight week and contributed to Dvalishvili’s successful title defense against Cory Sandhagen, reinforcing the mutual support that defines their relationship.
Separate Career Trajectories Despite Shared Interests
Although both fighters are now competing under the RAF banner, their primary focus remains their respective paths inside the UFC. Sterling continues to navigate a competitive featherweight division as he aims to secure a title shot, while Dvalishvili is concentrating on bouncing back following his defeat to Petr Yan at UFC 323. For the foreseeable future, it appears that any wrestling showdown between them will remain a secondary consideration behind their MMA objectives.
Sterling Voices Frustration Over UFC Title Opportunities
The featherweight landscape in the UFC has experienced upheaval following the UFC 325 rematch between champion Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes, a fight that stirred debate about rightful contenders. Fighters such as Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy, boasting superior or unbeaten records, also entered the title conversation. Aljamain Sterling, vocal about his quest for a title shot, expressed dissatisfaction with the divisional direction during his Real American Freestyle 06 post-match interview.
He stated,
“I’ve been doing this for a longtime and have been with the company since 2014. I have been calling my shot, defending my belt, the most in the bantamweight division tied with a couple of greats. Give me my title shot, I deserve a title shot, OG vs OG. Diego Lopes gets a rematch and goes out there and somehow does worse after doing decent in the first fight. Yeah I don’t have knockout power, that’s never been my game. I am smarter than a lot of these guys out there. I’ll put on a good show for the fans.”
This candid commentary reveals Sterling’s confidence in his skills and his appeal for a merit-based opportunity to challenge for the featherweight title, reflecting broader discontent within the division.
Critique of UFC Matchmaking and Promotional Decisions
Sterling has also publicly questioned the UFC’s matchmaking priorities, notably criticizing the placement of a bout between former Bellator fighters Patricio Pitbull and Aaron Pico high on a recent event card. He challenged UFC President Dana White over the selection process for title fights, insisting that championship opportunities should go to the most deserving athletes. Sterling’s outspokenness highlights ongoing debates over fairness and competition standards within the UFC promotional framework.
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