Vallejos Stunned by New UFC Payday as Sterling Fires Back Before Qatar Showdown

Kevin Vallejos cannot believe his luck. The Argentine featherweight announced on social media that he has signed a new UFC contract ahead of his pivotal clash with Aljamain Sterling at UFC Qatar on November 21, writing: "WE just signed a new deal with the UFC. I can't believe how much money I'm getting paid to fight." He did not publish a salary figure, the number of fights covered, or the length of the agreement. The timing is no accident. Vallejos, 18-1 and ranked No. 9 in the featherweight division, faces the biggest test of his career against Sterling, the former bantamweight champion who sits at No. 4. Vallejos has already claimed that victory in Doha would earn him a shot at Alexander Volkanovski's featherweight title, posting: "Guys if WE beat Sterling, WE get Volk." Sterling, 26-5, was quick to fire back, mocking Vallejos's excitement and suggesting the Argentine will spend fight night being taken down and controlled on the mat. Volkanovski himself has said Sterling deserves the next title shot if he beats Vallejos, with Jean Silva the alternative if Sterling loses. The war of words has only raised the stakes for a fight that already carried serious divisional consequences.