A detailed analysis argues that Aljamain Sterling should be recognized as an outstanding fighter, noting his 18-5 record after 23 UFC bouts ranks third-best all-time behind only Jon Jones (22-1) and Donald Cerrone (19-4). The piece defends Sterling's split decision victory over Petr Yan, arguing 3-2 was correct and that Yan gave away the first round. Sterling's recent victory over Movsar Evloev at featherweight is highlighted, along with three other wins in the division despite being past his physical prime. The analysis suggests Sterling is one victory away from "great" status and two from "absolute legend" status if he can defeat top contenders like Diego Lopes or Daniel Silva and potentially challenge for the featherweight title.
A detailed analytical piece making the rounds in MMA media argues that Aljamain Sterling deserves far more credit than he typically receives, positioning the American featherweight as one of the sport's most accomplished fighters of his generation.
Sterling, known as "Funk Master," carries a 26-5 record and sits ranked fourth in the featherweight division at 36 years old. Fighting out of the Serra-Longo Fight Team, the New York native lands 4.45 significant strikes per minute at a 52 percent accuracy rate and averages 2.45 takedowns per 15 minutes — numbers that reflect a well-rounded game developed over a long career. The analysis specifically highlights his recent win over Movsar Evloev as evidence that Sterling remains elite even past what many consider peak physical age, with the piece noting he has collected four featherweight victories overall.
The argument extends to Sterling's bantamweight history as well, defending his split decision win over Petr Yan — now the bantamweight champion carrying a 20-5 record — by contending a three-rounds-to-two reading was correct and that Yan surrendered the first round. Yan, fighting out of Russia, is one of the division's most prolific strikers, landing 5.12 significant strikes per minute at 54 percent accuracy, which gives the revisited controversy genuine weight.
The Evloev victory is particularly notable given the opponent's credentials. The Russian sits ranked first in the featherweight division with a perfect 20-0 record, averaging 4.78 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing nearly four significant strikes per minute.
Why it matters
- Sterling defeating the top-ranked featherweight in Evloev strengthens any case for a title shot
- The analysis frames wins over Diego Lopes or Daniel Silva as the threshold between "great" and "absolute legend" territory
- At 36, the window for a featherweight title run is narrowing, making the timing of this recognition meaningful
