Featherweight contender Kevin Vallejos has reacted to Aljamain Sterling's recent statement that the UFC gave him just one hour to accept a fight offer for UFC Qatar.
A featherweight bout between top contenders Aljamain Sterling and Kevin Vallejos is scheduled as the co-main event for UFC Qatar next month. The main event features a light heavyweight clash between former champion Jiri Prochazka and rising contender Navajo Stirling.
This fight represents a significant challenge for Vallejos, who has secured recent victories against Josh Emmett, Giga Chikadze, and Seung-Woo Choi. His only career loss occurred against Jean Silva on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2023.
Sterling recently garnered attention by stating the UFC matchmakers presented him with a one-hour deadline to accept the UFC Qatar bout, or it would be offered to another top contender. While Sterling maintains he wasn't forced into accepting, he has spoken openly about his difficult relationship with the promotion.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Vallejos shared his perspective on Sterling's account of being pressured.
"I don't know if I'd even need an hour," Vallejos remarked regarding Sterling's claim. "When they offered me Aljamain, I accepted immediately. I don't require an hour to agree to a fight; that's how it's been throughout my career. I don't particularly care about my opponent. Whoever they offer, I'll say yes."
The winner of the Vallejos vs. Sterling fight is positioned for a potential title shot against either Alexander Volkanovski or Movsar Evloev. Volkanovski is set to defend his UFC featherweight title at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi later this month.
When asked about discussions with UFC leadership regarding the stakes at UFC Qatar, Vallejos stated, "They haven't explicitly said anything like that, but ultimately, I'm fighting a Top 4 fighter. If I win, it logically follows that I should fight for the title. And when that happens, I'll undoubtedly become the champion."
