One of the fights I was most interested in this past weekend was the matchup between Aljamain Sterling and Marlon Moraes. Both fighters are from the northeast MMA scene and when folks are near each other, cross training is pretty much going to happen. Regardless of that, the gyms that are friendly can sometimes wind up facing one another in competition and such was the case with Sterling vs. Moraes
A first round KO after a quick scramble saw Moraes as the victor, but it was pretty obvious he was concerned for Sterling afterward. Fans were concerned too but Sterling let folks know he was okay on social media and that is when Henry chimed in on his difficult position having coached both men he considers part of what he calls "our team."
Henry tweeted the following:
"So happy Aljo your an INCREDIBLE athlete and warrior and beyond EXCITED your good to go!! Wasn't looking forward to this fight with what we consider our team but like 2 Renzo warriors they fight and don't make excuses! Aljo is a stud and will be back twice as strong!!"
He cites the connection to Renzo Gracie as Sterling is part of Serra-Longo fight team out of Long Island, Matt Serra who is one of Gracie's black-belts and the Ricardo Almeida's team which Moraes is a part of is where they are friendly. It was tough to watch but such is the "fight game".
Sterling said of his loss:
"Hats off to Marlon Thought I timed the TD perfectly and he was able to land a nasty knee. Sucks to be the nail, but this is the fight game. I'm ok for all those asking."
It is the fight game and it looks like Sterling is taking the loss as a lesson to move forward.
Update
It looks like "Aljoe" is doing just fine and has a thick enough skin to take the loss in stride.
Good on you young man, good on you.