Former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling announced Wednesday that he is pulling out of his featherweight bout against Movsar Evloev due to injury.
Sterling sustained an elbow injury that doesn’t require surgery, sources told MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin.
“Unfortunately, I have to break the news I will not be competing in Salt Lake City at UFC 307,” Sterling said. “In sparring, I had an injury not requiring surgery, but I was advised by the UFC medical staff that I will not be able to properly compete in this short of a turnaround.”
Sterling posted a clip of himself sparring with Jeremy Kennedy that appears to show when he initially sustained the ailment. “The Funkmaster” shared that he attempted to use stem cell treatment, rest, and rehab in time to be prepared for the bout.
“I apologize to Movsar and his team. We’ve been talking and I was really looking forward to punching this guy in his face,” Sterling said.
The UFC hasn’t rebooked Evloev (18-0) against a different opponent, and it’s uncertain if he will remain on the October card. Sterling is hopeful that the pair can push the fight date back but would not fault the undefeated Russian for looking for another opponent.
“Movsar, if you still really want to punch this handsome face, I put the challenge out to you to push the fight back and wait,” Sterling said. “Wait for daddy. I will be back soon. Possibly do this in December.”
