It appears that any issues between UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling and Matt Serra have been squashed.
Serra, a former UFC Welterweight Champion, has been the coach for Sterling for years. He was not in Sterling’s corner at UFC 259 when the latter faced Petr Yan for the title. Sterling would end up winning the fight and title via disqualification after an illegal knee by Yan. Serra felt hurt by Sterling not being in contact with him, and only having Ray Longo and Eric Nicksick in his corner instead. He even stated he would retire from cornering fighters.
It appears everything has been settled between the two. In a video posted on Instagram, Serra discussed the beef between the two. With Sterling in the video, Serra said he would help the fellow Long Islander prepare for a potential rematch with Yan. He did not indicate, however, if he would be in his corner.
“Okay, so people have been giving Aljamain Sterling a lot of hate,” Serra stated (h/t MMA Fighting). “One, because of the knee and two, because they think he fucking — me and him have some beef or something like that. It’s true, I’m stepping away from cornering for now — I ain’t cornering for a while, I’m spending time with the family, I’m not going away — but myself and the 'Funk Master' are always gonna be cool."
“I’m gonna help him defend this versus Petr Yan. We’re always cool. Petr Yan, he’s coming for you, buddy.”
Since Sterling won the title, there has been positive and negative feedback on all fronts. Sterling is ready to prove he is the real champion, especially with Serra by his side. He even tweeted out a picture of him and Serra, stating, “In This Together No Matter What!”
In this together no matter what!
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) March 16, 2021
•#Jedis #Family #UFCChamps pic.twitter.com/63PjmfupQc
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