Vallejos signs new UFC deal before Sterling fight, eyes Volkanovski title shot

Kevin Vallejos has signed a new UFC contract and says a featherweight title shot against Alexander Volkanovski is on the line when he faces Aljamain Sterling at UFC Qatar on November 21 at ABHA Arena in Doha.

The Argentine (18-1) announced the deal via a pair of posts on X on October 29, expressing genuine surprise at his new pay packet. “WE just signed a new deal with the UFC,” Vallejos wrote. “I can’t believe how much money I’m getting paid to fight.”

Vallejos wasted little time spelling out what he believes victory would mean for his career. “Guys if WE beat Sterling, WE get Volk,” he posted the following day — a claim that has some backing from the champion himself. After defending his featherweight title at UFC 333, Alexander Volkanovski stated that Sterling deserves the next title shot if he beats Vallejos, though the Australian also identified Jean Silva as the leading contender should Sterling fall short.

The fight represents a significant step up for Vallejos, who has risen quickly through the UFC ranks since earning his contract via a first-round knockout on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2024. He has since gone 4-0 inside the octagon, finishing three of those opponents. His only professional defeat came at the hands of Jean Silva during his first Contender Series appearance in 2023.

Sterling, a former bantamweight champion now competing at featherweight, enters the bout with a 26-5 record and remains one of the division’s most credentialed challengers. A win for Vallejos would not only extend his unbeaten UFC run to five but potentially vault him into a world title fight against Volkanovski.