UFC 250 results: Aljamain Sterling chokes out Cory Sandhagen in statement performance

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Aljamain Sterling is ready for his title shot.

The New York native made a huge statement at UFC 250 as he choked out Cory Sandhagen in the first round of their bantamweight showdown with the winner all but assured a chance to compete for gold later this year.

With Petr Yan and Jose Aldo getting ready to battle it out to determine a new 135-pound champion, Sterling had some words for one of those challengers following his submission victory.

“This was the biggest fight of my life,” Sterling said. “Petr Yan, you better win your fight. I’m coming for that ass.”

PURE EMOTION!

@FunkmasterMMA showed why he is a at 135. #UFC250 pic.twitter.com/rTFAFwcjH4

— UFC (@ufc) June 7, 2020

There was no feeling out period with Sterling bursting out of the gate and coming after Sandhagen immediately. After a couple of brief exchanges on the feet, Sterling got inside to grab onto the clinch before quickly taking the back and dragging Sandhagen down to the ground.

From there it was all Sterling as he locked up a body triangle and started fishing for the submission with Sandhagen desperately trying to resist. A first attempt came up short but then Sterling finally positioned his arms underneath Sandhagen’s chin.

Once the choke was secured, a grimace came across Sandhagen’s face as he was forced to tap and then a split second later he was unconscious as Sterling released the hold.

With five straight wins including this submission victory over Sandhagen at UFC 250, Sterling should absolutely be competing for a world title in his next fight. Now he just has to wait and see if it will be Yan or Aldo holding the belt.