A former UFC bantamweight champion is aiming to face the No. 6-ranked featherweight contender Jean Silva this November at UFC 334. Silva recently continued his winning momentum at Noche UFC by submitting late-notice opponent Jose Miguel Delgado in the third round.
Right after his victory, Silva quickly exited the octagon to talk to UFC President Hunter Campbell. During his post-fight interview, Silva boldly declared himself the “new champion” and expressed his desire to challenge the winner of UFC 333’s main event, where current two-time featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski will defend his title against top contender Movsar Evloev. Silva stated:
“This message isn’t for the division or anyone else. It’s for the next champion. Whoever holds that belt, the next champion is right here. There’s a new champion in town.”
Meanwhile, a former UFC titleholder, who believes he deserves to be next in line after Evloev, has stepped up to challenge Silva. Aljamain Sterling, the ex-bantamweight champion now competing at featherweight and boasting a two-fight winning streak, is seeking success across two weight classes.
Following Silva’s impressive win at Noche UFC, Sterling called out the Brazilian for a featherweight title eliminator fight scheduled for November 14th at Madison Square Garden during UFC 334. Sterling tweeted:
“Aljamain Sterling vs. Jean Silva for No. 1 contender fight at MSG, November 14th.”
The 37-year-old added that he is the rightful next challenger after Movsar Evloev and proposed that he and Silva battle to settle who deserves the title shot.
“I’m next in line. Or we can fight for it. December. Run it.”
Fan Take: This developing feud between Sterling and Silva is an exciting crossroads for the featherweight division, potentially shaping the next title challenger. For fight fans, it signals fierce competition and fresh matchups that could electrify the sport as new contenders battle established stars.
Source: www.lowkickmma.com
