After 23 fights in the UFC, Aljamain Sterling holds an 18-5 record, which ranks third-best all-time behind only Jon Jones (22-1) and Donald Cerrone (19-4). Sterling's winning percentage surpasses legendary fighters including Robert Whittaker, Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, Anderson Silva, and Demian Maia at the same career point. The analysis argues that Sterling deserves recognition as an elite-level fighter, having won championships and competed successfully in two highly competitive weight classes over 12 years. His recent victory over a strong opponent, despite looking heavier than usual, demonstrates his continued excellence. The post includes detailed analysis of his second fight with Petr Yan and his performances at featherweight, suggesting Sterling is one victory away from great status and two from legendary status.
A statistical breakdown circulating this week places Aljamain Sterling among the most accomplished fighters in UFC history when measuring performance across the first 23 bouts of a career, highlighting just how elite the Long Island native's run has been across more than a decade inside the organization.
Sterling, known as "Funk Master," carries an overall record of 26-5 and currently sits ranked fourth at featherweight. The 36-year-old Serra-Longo Fight Team product stands five-foot-seven with a 71-inch reach and has proven himself dangerous across multiple divisions. His output numbers are striking: he lands 4.45 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy while averaging 2.45 takedowns per 15 minutes, a combination that reflects his well-rounded threat level on the feet and on the mat.
The analysis centers on Sterling's 18-5 mark through his first 23 UFC appearances, which the breakdown places third all-time at that career stage. Only Jon Jones, who sits at 28-1 overall, and Donald Cerrone, whose career record stands at 36-17, posted better marks through fight 23. Sterling's winning percentage at that checkpoint surpassed those of Robert Whittaker, Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, Anderson Silva, and Demian Maia at the same point in their respective UFC tenures.
The piece also highlights that Sterling has competed successfully across two highly competitive weight classes over a 12-year UFC career, claimed championship gold at bantamweight, and most recently picked up a win at featherweight despite appearing heavier than usual. His second bout with Petr Yan and his featherweight performances receive particular attention as evidence of sustained elite-level competition.
Why it matters
- Sterling's 18-5 mark through 23 UFC fights compares favorably to some of the sport's most celebrated careers
- His cross-divisional success adds further weight to arguments for elite historical standing
- One or two marquee victories, the analysis suggests, could elevate his legacy into genuinely rare company
