Aljamain Sterling Set to Make RAF Debut Amid Concerns About Getting 'Iced' by UFC

The former UFC bantamweight champion will face Benson Henderson at RAF 06 in Tempe, Arizona this Saturday.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Aljamain Sterling, the former UFC bantamweight champion, is set to make his debut for the Real American Freestyle (RAF) promotion this Saturday at RAF 06 in Tempe, Arizona. Sterling will be replacing the injured Chad Mendes and will face former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson in a 170-pound matchup. This comes amid Sterling's concerns about getting 'iced' by the UFC and his desire to stay active if not in MMA, at least in wrestling.

Why it matters

Sterling's move to the RAF promotion is significant as it highlights his frustration with the UFC's inactivity in booking him fights. The 36-year-old fighter has expressed his desire to stay active and potentially capture another title before the end of his career. His debut in the RAF, which has been attracting several veteran and top UFC fighters, adds an interesting layer to the speculation around his future.

The details

Sterling, who has had an impressive run in the UFC's bantamweight and featherweight divisions, will be facing former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson at RAF 06. The event, which is scheduled for Saturday, February 28th, will also feature other notable names such as Henry Cejudo and Urijah Faber. Sterling's decision to compete in the RAF comes after he expressed his disappointment with the UFC's inactivity, stating that he was only able to fight once in 2025 and hopes to get two or three fights this year.

  • Aljamain Sterling is set to make his RAF debut this Saturday, February 28, 2026.
  • Sterling's last fight in the UFC was several months ago.

The players

Aljamain Sterling

A former UFC bantamweight champion who is set to make his debut in the RAF promotion, replacing the injured Chad Mendes to face Benson Henderson.

Benson Henderson

A former UFC lightweight champion who will be facing Aljamain Sterling in the main event of RAF 06.

Ariel Helwani

A prominent MMA journalist who confirmed the news of Aljamain Sterling's RAF debut.

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What they’re saying

“RAF news: Aljamain Sterling is replacing the injured Chad Mendes this Saturday at RAF 06 in Tempe, AZ. Aljo will face Benson Henderson at 170 pounds.”

— Ariel Helwani (Twitter)

“I'm just here for a good time. I don't have much time left in the tank, so I got to get it going if I want to try to get another belt. I have to start now. Hope they don't ice me again like they did last year. One fight for the year, that was tough. I would like to get two or three this year. That's the goal.”

— Aljamain Sterling (UFC 324 red carpet media scrum)

What’s next

The winner of the upcoming UFC featherweight fight between Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy on March 21 will likely be the next title challenger for Alexander Volkanovski's championship. Aljamain Sterling will be hoping to overcome fighters like Jean Silva and Yair Rodriguez to earn a shot at the featherweight title.

The takeaway

Aljamain Sterling's decision to make his debut in the RAF promotion amid his concerns about inactivity in the UFC highlights the challenges some fighters face in securing consistent opportunities at the top level. His move to stay active in wrestling could be a strategic decision to maintain his competitive edge and potentially position himself for another title run in the future.