Aljamain Sterling's 18-5 UFC record ranks among best after 23 fights

After 23 fights in the UFC, Aljamain Sterling holds an 18-5 record, which ranks third-best in UFC history at that stage, behind only Jon Jones (22-1) and Donald Cerrone (19-4). Sterling's winning percentage surpasses legends like Robert Whittaker, Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, Anderson Silva, and Chuck Liddell at the same point in their UFC careers. The post argues that Sterling's victories over elite opponents like Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo represent historic achievements, particularly his second fight with Yan, which the author scored 3-2 for Sterling. Sterling's recent victory over Zalal, despite being past his prime, demonstrates his continued elite status across two weight classes, and he is positioned one win away from potential legendary status if he can defeat either Diego Silva or Diego Lopes to earn another title shot at featherweight.