UFC 238 results: Aljamain Sterling calls for title shot following action-packed win over Pedro Munhoz

Aljamain Sterling is ready for his title shot.

That is the message he sent to the UFC matchmakers following arguably the best performance of his career with a decisive victory over Pedro Munhoz on the preliminary card at UFC 238 on Saturday night in Chicago. Sterling showcased a slick striking attack to beat Munhoz to the punch repeatedly over three rounds before earning 30-27 scores across the board to get the win.

“Where the hell is Sean Shelby at? I hope that was exciting enough for you,” Sterling shouted following his fourth straight win. “I’m tired of you guys sleeping on me. You can’t keep a star from shining and my star’s going to shine bright. I’m telling you guys right now, I want the winner of Henry Ce-doo-doo cause he stinks versus “Magic” Marlon Moraes. Guess what? Your magic show is over. There’s a new funk show in town.”

With a significant reach advantage on his side, Sterling used distance to keep Munhoz on the end of his punches and kicks throughout the opening round. Sterling was a blitzing combination of speed, volume and accuracy as he was constantly peppering away with his strikes while Munhoz struggled to find a home for his biggest power punches.

While Sterling was definitely getting the better of the exchanges early, Munhoz never stopped looking for the knockout with nearly every shot thrown. Sterling’s output slowed slightly in the second round but he appeared to be conserving his energy and then uncorking with explosive strikes whenever Munhoz gave him even the slightest of openings.

He clipped him! #UFC238 pic.twitter.com/qiaREnyFQy

— UFC (@ufc) June 9, 2019

As the third round got underway, Munhoz started to chip away at Sterling’s foundation with a series of thudding leg kicks but the New York native kept moving to avoid taking too much damage. As much as he gets pegged as a grappler, Sterling was more than content in a firefight with Munhoz on the feet, getting the better of the exchanges throughout all 15 minutes.

“I got some skinny ass legs,” Sterling said about the damage he took from Munhoz’s kicks. “It’s the fight game. I’m ready for everything. We knew we were probably going be walking on crutches tonight.

“I’m here to be the No. 1 contender cause that’s what this was. That Petr Yan-Jimmie Rivera fight, get that out of here.”

The win moves Sterling to 18-3 overall and one step closer to his ultimate goal to compete for UFC gold.