An extensive analysis post argues that Aljamain Sterling's accomplishments warrant recognition as an outstanding fighter, noting that after 23 UFC bouts only Jon Jones (22-1) and Donald Cerrone (19-4) had better win percentages than Sterling's 18-5 record. The author defends Sterling's controversial split decision win over Petr Yan in their rematch, agreeing with the 3-2 scorecards. The post emphasizes Sterling's recent featherweight performances, including wins over ranked opponents despite being past his prime, and suggests he is one victory away from great status and two from becoming an absolute legend. The analysis includes detailed round-by-round breakdowns and comparisons to historical fighters.
A detailed analytical piece making the rounds argues that Aljamain Sterling deserves far more credit than he typically receives, positioning the former bantamweight champion as one of the most accomplished fighters in UFC history.
The analysis centers on Sterling's UFC win percentage, noting that after 23 UFC bouts only Jon Jones and Donald Cerrone had posted better marks than Sterling's 18-5 record at that point in their respective careers. The piece also defends his split decision victory over Petr Yan in their rematch, with the author siding with the 3-2 scorecards that awarded Sterling the win.
Now 36 years old and competing at featherweight, Sterling carries a current overall record of 26-5 and sits ranked fourth in the featherweight division. Fighting out of the Serra-Longo Fight Team, the five-foot-seven Orthodox striker lands 4.45 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy, while averaging 2.45 takedowns per 15 minutes — a grappling output that puts him among the more dangerous wrestlers in the sport. The analysis highlights that Sterling has continued picking up wins over ranked featherweight opponents despite what the author characterizes as the latter stage of his career.
For comparison, Jon Jones — the 38-year-old heavyweight champion standing six-foot-four with an 84-inch reach — holds a 28-1-0 record and lands significant strikes at 58 percent accuracy. Donald Cerrone, 43, compiled a 36-17-0 record over a lengthy career with 4.41 significant strikes landed per minute.
Why it matters
- Sterling's featherweight run at ranked level adds serious weight to the legacy argument
- The analysis frames him as one win from "great" and two from all-time legend status
- His win percentage comparison to Jones and Cerrone reframes how casual fans may view his career arc
- The Yan rematch revisionism touches one of bantamweight's more debated recent decisions
