**Chael Sonnen’s Take on UFC 310’s Precard Decision**
In a surprising move for **UFC 310**, former bantamweight champion **Aljamain Sterling** finds himself fighting on the preliminary card, a decision that has left many puzzled, including MMA analyst **Chael Sonnen**. This matchup against **Movsar Evloev**, ranked No. 5 against No. 9 in the featherweight category, is significant yet overshadowed by two other featherweight fights that are slated for the main card.
Sonnen expressed his confusion regarding the UFC’s placement of this high-stakes bout. He emphasized that historically, fighters in Sterling’s position often receive better opportunities, especially after holding a championship title. He pointed to examples like **Alex Pereira** and **Kamaru Usman**, who were granted immediate title shots following their successful ventures into new weight classes.
Despite Sterling’s impressive record, boasting a **10-1** standing in his last eleven fights—including three title defenses—Sonnen believes the UFC is not giving him the recognition he deserves. He highlighted that Sterling has already proven himself in the featherweight division by defeating veteran **Calvin Kattar**.
As Sterling prepares for this pivotal matchup, fans and analysts alike are left questioning whether the UFC is underestimating the capabilities of the former champion. For more details on the event, check out **MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 310**.
Why Aljamain Sterling Deserves a Main Card Spot at UFC 310
### Chael Sonnen’s Critique of UFC 310’s Fight Card Placement
In the lead-up to **UFC 310**, the placement of former bantamweight champion **Aljamain Sterling** on the preliminary card has sparked considerable debate among MMA fans and analysts. Specifically, this pivotal fight against **Movsar Evloev**, ranked No. 5, is crucial not just for Sterling’s career but for the featherweight division as a whole. Despite Sterling’s impressive **10-1** record over his last eleven fights and three title defenses, MMA analyst **Chael Sonnen** has criticized the UFC’s decision to relegate this high-stakes bout to the prelims.
### Pros and Cons of the Decision
#### Pros:
– **Visibility for Other Fighters**: The decision could give lesser-known fighters a chance to showcase their skills on a larger platform.
– **Strategic Matchmaking**: This might create an opportunity for up-and-coming fighters in the featherweight division to gain traction.
#### Cons:
– **Undermining Sterling’s Reputation**: As a former champion, Sterling’s fight being on the prelims can be seen as a snub, potentially impacting his marketability and legacy.
– **Missed Opportunities for Fans**: Fans hoping to see a significant matchup may feel disappointed that such a pivotal fight is not featured on the main card, which typically attracts more viewers.
### Analysis of UFC Trends
The shift of former champions like Sterling to the preliminary card raises questions about the UFC’s evolving matchmaking philosophy. In recent years, there has been a trend towards promoting emerging talent and ensuring younger fighters have opportunities for exposure. However, many believe that established fighters with championship credentials should still maintain their elite status in fight card placements.
### Insights from Recent Fights
Historically, the UFC has often responded to strong performances with immediate title shot opportunities, as seen with fighters like **Alex Pereira** and **Kamaru Usman** who climbed the ranks quickly after transitioning to new weight classes. Sonnen’s analysis draws attention to these patterns, suggesting that Sterling, having already proven himself against tough opponents like **Calvin Kattar**, deserves a more prominent role.
### Future Implications for Sterling
Sterling’s performance against Evloev could significantly impact his career trajectory. A decisive victory might not only validate his status in the featherweight division but potentially lead to a future title shot. Conversely, a loss could complicate his standing and mark a notable downturn in his once-bright career.
### Upcoming Predictions
As fighters prepare for UFC 310, eyes will be on how this preliminary fight unfolds. Should Sterling defeat Evloev, it could propel him back into discussions for title contention, reaffirming his place in the upper echelons of mixed martial arts. Alternatively, if underperformance persists, it could signal a need for reassessment within his training and strategy as he navigates this critical phase.
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