Aljamian Sterling can thank Sage Northcutt for making up his mind.

Sterling told MMAjunkie Radio he might have taken a modest raise from his current pay. He thought $30,000 to show and $30,000 to win would be a good enough bump.

“This was before the Sage Northcutt salary came out,” Sterling said of the young lightweight star. “And then after it came out, then I really got going.”

Northcutt, who recently submitted Cody Pfister on the FOX Sports 1-televised main card of UFC Fight Night 80 in just his second UFC fight, made the highest payday of any fighter on the Las Vegas card with a disclosed payday of $80,000. Obviously, that included Sterling (12-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC), who submitted Johnny Eduardo (27-10 MMA, 2-2 UFC) with a slick guillotine on the UFC Fight Pass-streamed prelims. Sterling made $28,000.

“If he can get that, then I should be able to get that, too,” Sterling, who’s ranked No. 9 in MMAjunkie/USA TODAY Sports MMA bantamweight rankings, said of his reaction. “I could beat those guys. I’m a (bantamweight). I could bump up two weight classes and take those guys out – and finish them. So it was like, what?”

Now, Sterling is on a different track, following the UFC’s advice to test his worth on the open market. It’s not clear where he is in that process, though UFC rival Bellator is certain to make a bid for his services, at which point the industry-leader can decide whether or not to match the offer.

The break from a fighter and team’s usual protocol of negotiating behind the scenes prompted many to paint Sterling as a advocate for fighter rights. But in reality, his aim is really much simpler.

“They’re trying to scapegoat me as the guinea pig for a fighters union, but that’s not what I’m trying to do,” he said. “I’m just trying to get paid, just like anybody else is.”

Sterling hasn’t wavered on the idea that he can breathe new life into the bantamweight division, which is now headed by champ T.J. Dillashaw. On Sunday, Dillashaw attempts to defend his belt against ex-champion Dominick Cruz, who was stripped of the title after a long battle with injuries.

Dillashaw and Cruz’s rival, Urijah Faber, is expected to factor heavily in the UFC’s matchmaking plans. Sterling, though, believes he could shake things up.

“I honestly think I can fight for the belt this year if things play out and maybe if Faber or somebody gets hurt,” he said. “I hate to wish injury on anybody, but if that were to happen, I think I’m the guy to step up and get the job done. Bring some real flavor to this division.”

Another highly touted bantamweight, Thomas Almeida, is perhaps his best competition in that regard. The Brazilian has earned four straight UFC wins, including two highlight-reel knockouts in his most recent performances.

Despite that, Sterling isn’t really impressed and thinks he’s a better candidate for the title.

“I like the kid, but who the hell has that guy beaten for people to say, ‘Oh, this guy would destroy Sterling or he would destroy T.J.’?” he said. “Dude, this guy’s beat up Yves Jabouin, the guy has beat up Brad Pickett, and no offense, but Brad Pickett was kicking his ass. (Pickett) was a little pit punchy at this point.

“You put that into the equation, and you realize maybe the Almeida hype train is speeding up a little faster than it should. I feel like I’m the guy. I feel like I’m the new face of this division.”

That, Sterling said, is his honest opinion. So far, he hasn’t been shy about expressing it. Wherever he lands up, that won’t change.

“I’m very blunt,” he said. “But that’s how I feel.”

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

MMAjunkie Radio broadcasts Monday-Friday at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) live from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino’s Race & Sports Book. The show, available on SiriusXM Ch. 93, is hosted by “Gorgeous” George Garcia and producer Brian “Goze” Garcia. For more information or to download past episodes, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio.