After 23 UFC fights, Aljamain Sterling's 18-5 record ranks third-best in promotional history, trailing only Jon Jones (22-1) and Donald Cerrone (19-4). His win percentage surpasses UFC legends including Robert Whittaker, Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, Anderson Silva, and others at the same career point. The analysis argues Sterling's victories over elite competition like Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo establish him as an outstanding fighter who deserves greater recognition. The piece notes Sterling recently defeated a strong opponent despite appearing unusually heavy, and suggests he is one victory away from great status and two from legendary status. His recent move to featherweight, where he has secured three wins over ranked opponents, further solidifies his standing despite being past his peak.
A statistical deep-dive published on April 26 places Aljamain Sterling among the most accomplished fighters in UFC history, arguing that his 18-5 promotional record deserves far more respect than it typically receives.
Sterling's win percentage through 23 UFC appearances trails only Jon Jones and Donald Cerrone at the same career stage, according to the analysis. It further suggests his winning rate over that stretch surpasses celebrated veterans including Robert Whittaker, Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, and Anderson Silva, pointing to signature victories over Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo as proof of his elite-level credentials.
Jon Jones, the benchmark for the comparison, carries a 28-1 promotional record. The 38-year-old stands six-foot-four with an 84-inch reach and lands 4.38 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 58 percent, numbers that have long made him the standard against which UFC longevity is measured.
Donald Cerrone sits second in the historical comparison with a 36-17 overall record. The 43-year-old veteran lands 4.41 significant strikes per minute and averaged 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes across his lengthy career, accumulating UFC appearances few fighters have matched.
Henry Cejudo, one of the elite opponents Sterling defeated, holds a 16-6 record and currently sits ranked ninth in the bantamweight division. The 39-year-old Olympic gold medalist stands five-foot-four with a 64-inch reach and lands 3.82 significant strikes per minute at 47 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Sterling's 18-5 UFC record places him third historically in win percentage through 23 fights, ahead of multiple hall-of-fame-caliber names
- His recent move to featherweight has produced three wins over ranked opponents, extending his legacy beyond his bantamweight peak
- The analysis frames Sterling as one victory from "great" status and two from "legendary" status by its own criteria, raising the stakes of his upcoming fights considerably
