Aljamain Sterling is set to grapple Chase Hooper in the main event of ADXC 2 on January 19 in Abu Dhabi, before his planned move to the UFC featherweight division.
Before Aljamain Sterling climbs the UFC featherweight ranks, he’s tangling with a UFC lightweight. That’s the buzz for early 2024.
Chase Hooper’s the man he’ll face. The showdown’s set for ADXC 2, going down January 19th in Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Arena. That’s the word from the promo honchos.
Oh, and get this. Insiders spilled to MMA Fighting about another scrap. UFC’s Terrance McKinney‘s throwing down with Bellator’s Sidney Outlaw at the same gig.
Sterling’s been eyeing featherweight ever since his bantamweight crown slipped away. Sean O’Malley snagged it at UFC 292 last August. But Sterling’s kept busy, grappling Mike Grundy to a win. And he’s not done yet; he’s headlining Fury Pro Grappling 8 against Kevin Dentzler come December 30.
Hooper’s story? A mixed bag at featherweight, going 3-3. But lightweights better watch out. He’s nabbed two victories straight, taking down Nick Fiore and Jordan Leavitt. And he’s not just a puncher; his last grappling gig had him twist Clay Guida into a calf slicer. That was back at Fury Pro Grappling 6, over a year ago.