Former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling took to social media to pay tribute to Daniel Pineda, who announced his retirement from MMA. With a remarkable 100% finish rate, Pineda leaves behind a knockout and submission legacy that many fighters would dream to have.
Pineda announced his decision to step away from the sport after his loss against Darren Elkins at UFC Vegas 99 on October 19. It was the 39-year-old featherweight fighter’s third straight defeat in the Octagon. Despite the blemish, Pineda’s career will be remembered for his ability to finish every fight he won, 28 MMA victories in total across various promotions.
Fans and fellow fighters alike praised Pineda’s tenacity and skill, celebrating his retirement. Sterling commented saying,
“OG of the game and fun as hell to watch”
One fan praised Pineda for entertaining them each time he entered the arena: “He gets tired because he has no intention of going to decision. He’s provided so many fun fights for us. Thanks Daniel!”
Another one was astonished to know about his finishing rate, that too against acclaimed fighters at the highest level: “100% finish rate in such a long career, even GM3 got 2 on the regional”.
In his final outing in the Octagon, which was the first fight of UFC Vegas 99’s main card, Pineda faced off against veteran Elkins in what was expected to be an intense featherweight showdown. Elkins, fresh off a win over TJ Brown, was keen to continue his momentum, while Pineda was aiming to break a two-fight losing streak.
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True to the billing, the action started fast, with Elkins landing heavy overhands and Pineda countering with a slick spinning backkick. Pineda went for multiple guillotines, but Elkins managed to escape each time. A fierce back-and-forth ensued, with both fighters trading blows and scrambling for position. All while Pineda’s face poured blood from a nasty gash.
As the fight wore on, Elkins’ relentless pressure paid off. He landed solid combinations and secured takedowns, overpowering Pineda, who fought hard despite limited vision. By the final round, both men were exhausted, but Elkins’ determination saw him through.
Pineda walks off into the sunset with a record of 28 wins and 17 losses, the defeats column perhaps not doing justice to what he brought into the ring each time. The man never ever wanted to bank on the judges’ scorecards.
Sterling would like to emulate some of Pineda’s finishing instincts while seeking to find his mojo back. He badly wants to fight, if not Movsar Evloev, then someone else.
Aljo wants to fight, eyes Diego Lopes
The ‘Funkmaster ‘ has his sights set on another UFC featherweight contender if a fight with Evloev doesn’t materialize. Sterling, who was forced to pull out of his UFC 307 bout with Evloev due to an injury. He is eyeing Diego Lopes as a potential opponent as well.
“If Movsar isn’t available, I think Diego Lopes is the next best option,” Sterling said in a recent interview. He praised Lopes for his rise in the sport, especially after his dominant win over Brian Ortega at UFC 306.
“I’ve trained with Diego before, and he’s a really nice guy, but I feel like there’s some tension now,” Sterling said.
“If I’m going to take a risk and move closer to title contention, Lopes is the guy.”
Sterling believes a fight with Lopes could catapult him back into title contention, making it a high-risk, high-reward scenario.
