Kevin Vallejos aims for UFC featherweight title after upcoming bout with Aljamain Sterling

Kevin Vallejos, an Argentine featherweight contender, is poised to move closer to a UFC title shot following his upcoming fight against former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling. Scheduled for November 21 at UFC Qatar, this bout could determine Vallejos’ next step toward challenging the reigning featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski. ^{S1, S2}

Vallejos, who holds an 18-1 professional record and is undefeated in his four UFC fights, expressed a strong desire to see Volkanovski retain his title at UFC 333 against undefeated challenger Movsar Evloev. Vallejos views Volkanovski as a formidable champion and believes a victory over Sterling would position him well to compete for the featherweight belt. ^{S1, S2}

Vallejos’ strategy and the competitive featherweight division

Vallejos anticipates a challenging bout with Sterling, a fighter with extensive experience in five-round championship fights. Even if the fight goes to a decision, Vallejos believes showcasing his takedown defense and endurance would demonstrate his readiness for a title opportunity. He acknowledges the depth of talent in the featherweight division but remains optimistic about his chances with a decisive win. ^S1

The competition for the featherweight title is intense, with fighters like Jean Silva also in contention. Silva, who defeated Vallejos in 2023 at Dana White’s Contender Series and now holds a 7-1 record in the UFC, is ranked higher and could be a hurdle to Vallejos’ title aspirations. Nevertheless, Vallejos is focused on his immediate match against Sterling and the possible title shot in 2027. ^{S1, S2}

Upcoming UFC featherweight title defenses

Alexander Volkanovski enters UFC 333 with a strong recent record, having successfully defended the featherweight title twice against Diego Lopes. His challenger, Movsar Evloev, remains undefeated at 20-0 and has earned his title shot after a string of victories over top contenders including Sterling. Vallejos predicts that Volkanovski’s experience fighting larger opponents will give him an edge in defending against Evloev’s takedown attempts. ^{S1, S2}

Potential future matchups

Vallejos has openly stated his aim to fight Volkanovski should he defeat Sterling. He envisions this as a title bout where he can attempt to dethrone ‘The Great.’ The outcome of UFC 333 could set the stage for this matchup, depending on whether Volkanovski successfully defends his belt or if Evloev becomes the new champion. Vallejos’ progression into title contention underscores the competitive nature of the featherweight division and the strategic fights that shape its hierarchy. ^{S1, S2}