UFC’s Sterling overcomes nerves, Eduardo to remain unbeaten

Aljamain Sterling had a lot on his mind before entering the cage against Brazil's Johnny Eduardo for UFC Fight Pass 80 on Thursday at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Besides Eduardo standing in his way of a 12th win, Sterling was dealing with feuds with the Ultimate Fighting Championship over a new contract, his father and even a tiny issue with the recently retired Floyd Mayweather Jr.

"This is the most anxiety I've ever felt for fight," Sterling said. "I had more nerves tonight than I've had in my entire career."

The nerves and anxiety didn't show once Sterling stepped into the octagon for the bantamweight fight. The wrestling specialist took the match to the ground and forced Eduardo to submit in the second round on a choke hold guillotine.

The nervous wreck Sterling was gone, and the brash "Funk Master" Sterling made an appearance for the post-fight interview in the ring.

"I'm going after limbs and necks," Sterling said. "I don't care. Bring Floyd Mayweather out here. Bring that guy back so I can get that big-money checks."

Sterling (12-0) walked out the octagon an undefeated free agent and probably a richer man. Sterling recently turned down a contract extension from the UFC and decided to play out his current deal.

"I drew my gun a little bit faster," said Sterling about the negotiations for a new deal. "We'll see what happens. I'm not going to say I'll walk away. I do think they see a prospect in me, and I do think they know I'm one of the next top contenders in the division."

UFC president Dana White said Sterling is free to explore other options such as Bellator MMA and doesn't plan on offering a more lucrative extension any time soon.

"We made him an offer, he's not happy with the offer, so he goes out and shops and brings that offer back to us," White said. "We either match it or not. I like the kid a lot. We'll see."

Sterling, of course, said he was just having fun when he called out Mayweather. Turns out there's some history there.

"He tried to get at my girl," Sterling said. "It's all good. He has good taste."

On a more serious issue, Sterling opened up about his relationship with his father and recently found out he was in town, which could have added to his stress. Sterling said he and his father had a falling out and haven't spoken in months.

"There was so much going," said Sterling, who had an eight-month fight hiatus before returning to the cage. "So many outside factors, I had so many injuries. There was a good chance I might have had to pull out of the fight. I wasn't training hard, and it kind of sucked, and that brings doubt in my mind."

Sterling landed 49 strikes compared with Eduardo's seven. The 26-year-old Long Island, N.Y., native attempted to bring down Eduardo with kicks, but once that didn't work, he speared him to the mat to take control.

"I watched his fights over and over, and I have to be honest, I thought he could be the one to do it," Sterling said about the possibility of losing. "Those doubts creep into your mind every time, but you have to do your best to silence them and trust your abilities."

Sterling's flashy personality and skills in the cage have him on the verge of UFC stardom. He's OK if that doesn't work out. He has plans to get his master's degree and doesn't see himself in the octagon for long.

"I don't want to be one of those guys fighting well into my 30s and getting punched in the head," Sterling said. "That's not for me. I want to get in, get out, make my money."

Gilbert Manzano can be reached at 702-383-0492 or gmanzano@reviewjournal.com. Follow on Twitter: @gmanzanzo24