Aljamain Sterling now holds an 18-5 record after 23 UFC fights, making him third-best historically at that milestone behind only Jon Jones (22-1) and Donald Cerrone (19-4). The analysis positions Sterling's winning percentage ahead of notable fighters including Robert Whittaker, Sean Strickland, Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, Anderson Silva, Demian Maia, Chuck Liddell, and Junior dos Santos. His recent victory over Said Zalal demonstrated high-level skill despite appearing physically taxed. Sterling's career achievements include championship reigns in two competitive weight classes over a 12-year span, with notable wins over Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo. The commentary suggests he is one victory away from great status and two from legendary status, particularly if he can secure another title shot at featherweight.
Aljamain Sterling has cemented his place among the most successful fighters in UFC history at the 23-fight milestone, sitting third all-time in wins at that mark with an 18-5 record, trailing only Jon Jones and Donald Cerrone.
Jones reached 23 UFC bouts with a staggering 22-1 record, a benchmark that reflects one of the most dominant careers the promotion has ever seen. Now 38 years old, Jones stands 28-1-0 overall and has long been regarded as the measuring stick for UFC greatness. His 58 percent striking accuracy and 4.38 significant strikes landed per minute underscore the efficiency that defined his rise.
Cerrone's 19-4 mark at the same milestone places him second, with Sterling's 18-5 slotting in directly behind. Sterling's position pushes him ahead of a remarkable list of former champions and contenders at that stage, including Robert Whittaker, Sean Strickland, Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, Anderson Silva, Demian Maia, Chuck Liddell, and Junior dos Santos.
Sterling's path to that record includes championship reigns across two weight classes over a 12-year UFC career, with landmark victories over Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo among the highlights. Cejudo, now 39 and ranked ninth at bantamweight, was considered one of the division's most decorated champions when Sterling defeated him. Sterling's most recent win came against Said Zalal, a performance that, despite Sterling appearing physically taxed, displayed the high-level skill that has defined his tenure.
Why it matters
- Sterling's 18-5 record at 23 UFC fights places him in exclusive historical company, behind only Jones and Cerrone at that milestone
- A potential featherweight title shot looms as the next step that could push him toward what is described as legendary status
- The comparison reinforces how elite Sterling's career win rate has been relative to other all-time greats at the same point in their UFC tenures
