Aljamain Sterling will take on UFC lightweights starting in 2024 and then move up to UFC featherweight as anticipated.
The main event of ADXC 2 on January 19th at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi will feature Sterling against Chase Hooper, as announced by promotion officials on Thursday.
In addition, it was confirmed by sources familiar with the promotion’s plans that UFC lightweight Terrance McKinney will grapple with Bellator veteran Sydney Outlaw at the event.
Sterling disclosed his intention to move up to 145 following his loss of the bantamweight title to Sean O’Malley at UFC 292 in August. He has since participated in a grappling match with UFC veteran Mike Grundy, securing a unanimous decision victory. He is also slated to headline Fury Pro Grappling 8 against Kevin Dentzler on December 30th.
Hooper, who achieved a 3-3 record in his first six Octagon appearances as a featherweight, also succeeded at lightweight with consecutive wins over Nick Fiore and Jordan Leavitt. The 24-year-old is set to compete in a grappling match for the first time in over a year, following his submission of Clay Guida with a calf slicer at Fury Pro Grappling 6 in December 2022.
