Aljamain Sterling Wants Rafael Assuncao or Michael McDonald in NYC

On November 12, the UFC will set up shop in New York City’s Madison Square Garden with UFC 205. This week, this anticipated card’s first match-ups were announced.

First, we learned that the card would feature a lightweight bout between Al Iaquinta and Thiago Alves. Days later, we learned that a long-rumored bout between Robbie Lawler and Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone had been made official for the event. We’re also hearing whispers that former middleweight champion will fight Yoel Romero or Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza on the card.

Given that today’s typical UFC card features anywhere from 11-14 fights, we can expect plenty more fights to be added to the UFC 205 lineup in the coming days. UFC bantamweight Aljamain Sterling (12-1), who is a native of New York, is hoping to be included in one of those fights – and he has some potential opponents in mind.

Sterling discussed these desires on the latest episode of the UFC Unfiltered Podcast.

“I want Dana White to know that I’m looking for a fight right now,” Sterling said on the show. “UFC, MSG, November 12, I want to be on the New York card with my Serra-Longo brothers. Chris Weidman, Gian Villante, Al Iaquinta. I think this is going to be a historic event and I don’t think there is going to be another time when we all get to fight with each other on the same card.” 

As far as prospective opponents go, Sterling offered up two names that interest him:

“I want to fight Raphael Assuncao or Michael McDonald,” he said. “Those are the two fights that I think make sense for me right now. I think if I beat Raphael I think it puts me right back in title contention. I think if I beat a former title challenger in Michael McDonald then I still think it puts me back in the mix. Those are the guys I want, man.”

When we last saw Sterling, he experienced his first career loss, giving up a decision to unsung contender Bryan Caraway. Assuncao (23-5), meanwhile, last appeared at July’s UFC 200, when he was out-hustled by former bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw. MacDonald (17-4), finally, was also last seen in July, when he was levelled by absurdly powerful former flyweight John Lineker.

Do you want to see Aljamain Sterling added to the UFC 205 bill? If so, who do you think he should fight? Sound off, PENN nation!