After 23 UFC bouts, Aljamain Sterling holds an 18-5 record, placing him among the elite in terms of win percentage at that stage of a UFC career. Only Jon Jones (22-1) and Donald Cerrone (19-4) had better records after the same number of fights. Sterling's success rate surpasses legends like Robert Whittaker, Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, Anderson Silva, and Chuck Liddell at the equivalent point. The analysis argues that Sterling's victories over elite opponents like Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo cement his status as an outstanding fighter. The post suggests Sterling is one victory away from being considered great and two from legendary status, particularly if he can capture the featherweight title after already dominating bantamweight.
Aljamain Sterling has joined rarified company in UFC history, with a statistical analysis of his 23-fight career arc revealing an 18-5 record that ranks among the best win percentages any fighter has compiled at that stage of their octagon journey.
The review found only two fighters had better marks through their first 23 UFC appearances. Jon Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists ever, stood at 22-1 at the same milestone — a record built by a fighter who now sits at 28-1 overall, standing six-foot-four with an 84-inch reach and landing significant strikes at 4.38 per minute with 58 percent accuracy. Donald Cerrone, the durable and prolific "Cowboy," had gone 19-4 through 23 fights, though he would eventually finish his career at 36-17.
Sterling's 18-5 mark edges out a list of celebrated names — Robert Whittaker, Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, Anderson Silva, and Chuck Liddell — at the equivalent point in their respective careers. The analysis points specifically to Sterling's wins over Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo as proof of his elite pedigree. Cejudo, the decorated "Triple C," currently sits ranked ninth at bantamweight at age 39 and holds a career record of 16-6.
Why it matters
- Sterling's bantamweight reign already included victories over elite, championship-level opponents
- His win percentage at 23 fights surpasses several consensus all-time greats of the sport
- The analysis frames a potential featherweight title run as the path toward cementing a legendary legacy
The piece stops short of declaring Sterling's place in history settled, framing him as one significant win from greatness and two from legendary status — with the featherweight division now the apparent arena where that case could be made.
