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In a strategic showcase of grappling prowess, Aljamain Sterling secured a convincing victory in his featherweight debut at UFC 300, suffocating Calvin Kattar with relentless control and takedowns throughout the fight.
Sterling, a former bantamweight champion, showcased his versatility by executing multiple takedowns and maintaining dominant positions over Kattar in every round. Despite not securing a flashy finish, Sterling's performance earned him a clear-cut decision victory, with all three judges scoring the fight 30-27 in his favor.
The fight started with striking exchanges, eventually leading to Sterling's first takedown. While Kattar defended well initially, Sterling's persistent pressure and grappling expertise allowed him to secure subsequent takedowns and control the fight's pace.
Throughout the fight, Sterling's suffocating grappling style kept Kattar on the defensive, limiting his offensive opportunities and showcasing Sterling's control on the ground. Despite the lack of significant damage from Sterling, his strategic approach and dominance in grappling positions were enough to secure the win.
Towards the end of the fight, Sterling's aggressive grappling led to a dramatic moment where he tossed Kattar on his head, unleashing a flurry of punches. Although Kattar survived until the final horn, the fight favored Sterling's grappling dominance.
While this victory may not immediately place Sterling in title contention in the featherweight division, his impressive display against a seasoned veteran like Kattar on a high-profile event like UFC 300 solidifies his position as a formidable force in his new weight class.