After 23 UFC fights, Aljamain Sterling holds an 18-5 record, a win percentage bettered by only Jon Jones (22-1) and Donald Cerrone (19-4) at the same career stage. Sterling's record equals Dustin Poirier and Matt Hughes, and surpasses legends like Robert Whittaker, Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, Anderson Silva, and others at comparable points in their UFC careers. The analysis argues that Sterling's victories over elite opponents like Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo demonstrate his standing as an outstanding fighter. At bantamweight, Sterling holds the record for most wins in the division and captured the championship. His recent move to featherweight has seen him defeat three ranked opponents, with only a loss to top contender Movsar Evloev. The post suggests Sterling is one victory away from "great" status and two from "absolute legend" status if he can secure wins over top featherweights like Diego Lopes or Lerone Murphy and potentially challenge for the 145-pound title.
A statistical deep-dive published on April 26, 2026 positions Aljamain Sterling as one of the most accomplished fighters in UFC history when measuring records at the 23-fight mark of a career inside the promotion.
Sterling's 18-5 UFC record through 23 fights places him in rare company. According to the analysis, only Jon Jones and Donald Cerrone posted better win percentages at the same career stage. Jones, now 38 and holding a 28-1 promotional record, is widely regarded as the greatest of all time, while Cerrone went 19-4 through his first 23 UFC appearances. Sterling's 18-5 mark equals Dustin Poirier's record at the same point — Poirier, now 37, owns a career record of 30-10 and is regarded as one of the finest lightweights of his generation — and also matches the record of former welterweight champion Matt Hughes. Sterling's tally surpasses where legends such as Robert Whittaker, Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, and Anderson Silva stood at comparable career stages inside the octagon.
The analysis points to quality of opposition as a further indicator of Sterling's standing. His wins over Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo — the latter a 39-year-old Olympic gold medalist now ranked ninth at bantamweight — are cited as signature victories that underline the level at which Sterling has competed. Sterling also holds the record for the most wins in UFC bantamweight history and captured the division's championship during his run at 135 pounds.
Why it matters
- Sterling's move to featherweight has produced wins over three ranked opponents, with his only setback a loss to top contender Movsar Evloev
- The analysis frames Sterling as one win from "great" status and two from "absolute legend" status in the historical conversation
- Potential matchups with ranked featherweights such as Diego Lopes or Lerone Murphy, and a possible title challenge at 145 pounds, would shape how his legacy is ultimately judged
