After 23 UFC fights, Aljamain Sterling holds an 18-5 record, which ranks third-best historically behind only Jon Jones (22-1) and Donald Cerrone (19-4) at that milestone. The analysis argues Sterling's win percentage surpasses legends like Robert Whittaker, Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, and Anderson Silva at the same point in their UFC careers. The post highlights Sterling's victories over elite opponents including Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo, and notes his recent success moving up to featherweight despite being past his physical prime. The author suggests Sterling is one victory away from "great" status and two wins from becoming an "absolute legend," potentially fighting Diego Silva or Diego Lopes next for a title shot while Movsar Evloev faces Alexander Volkanovski.
A statistical analysis making the rounds among MMA observers argues that Aljamain Sterling deserves far greater recognition as one of the best fighters in UFC history, citing his record across 23 appearances in the promotion.
The central claim is straightforward: through 23 UFC fights, Sterling sits at 18-5, a mark the analysis says is third-best all-time at that same milestone. Only Jon Jones, who went 22-1 through his first 23 UFC outings, and Donald Cerrone, who posted 19-4 over the same stretch, rank ahead of him. The analysis contends that Sterling's winning percentage at the 23-fight mark outpaces the equivalent snapshots of Robert Whittaker, Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, and Anderson Silva — widely considered among the greatest fighters the sport has produced.
Jones, now 38, holds a career record of 28-1 and remains one of the most decorated heavyweights in the sport's history. Cerrone, 43, finished his career at 36-17 and long held the record for most UFC appearances. Both serve here as the only fighters ahead of Sterling in the metric being discussed.
The piece highlights Sterling's wins over elite competition as a key part of his case, specifically pointing to victories over former champion Henry Cejudo and Petr Yan. Cejudo, now 39 and ranked ninth at bantamweight, was a two-division champion at the time of their meeting. The analysis also notes Sterling's willingness to compete at featherweight despite, in the author's view, being past his athletic peak.
Why it matters
- Sterling's historical win-rate at 23 fights challenges conventional narratives about the sport's all-time greats
- His path at featherweight could lead to a title shot, with potential matchups against Diego Lopes or Diego Silva mentioned while Movsar Evloev faces Alexander Volkanovski
- The argument positions Sterling as one or two landmark wins away from cementing a legacy beyond bantamweight championship success
