Aljamain Sterling's UFC win rate ranks third-best through 23 fights in promotion

After 23 UFC fights, Aljamain Sterling holds an 18-5 record, giving him the third-best winning percentage in UFC history at that milestone, behind only Jon Jones (22-1) and Donald Cerrone (19-4). Sterling's win rate surpasses historical greats including Robert Whittaker, Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, Anderson Silva, Chuck Liddell, and Junior dos Santos. The analysis argues Sterling deserves recognition as an elite fighter, comparing his accomplishments favorably to legends like Mirko Cro Cop and highlighting his victories over elite opponents such as Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo. With championship success at 135 pounds and recent success at 145 pounds despite being past his peak, Sterling is positioned as potentially one or two wins away from legendary status.