An analysis argues that Aljamain Sterling deserves recognition as an outstanding fighter, with his 18-5 record after 23 UFC bouts ranking third-best all-time behind only Jon Jones (22-1) and Donald Cerrone (19-4). The post notes Sterling has a better win percentage at this stage than legends like Robert Whittaker, Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, Anderson Silva, and others. It highlights Sterling's victories over elite opponents like Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo, and suggests his recent win over Zalal, despite being past his prime, demonstrates his enduring quality. The analysis proposes that one more win could establish Sterling as a great, and two more as an absolute legend, particularly if he can secure success at featherweight after already holding the bantamweight title.
A statistical analysis circulating in MMA media argues that Aljamain Sterling has earned a place among the greatest fighters in UFC history based on his win rate through 23 promotional appearances, with his 18-5 record ranking third all-time at that stage — behind only Jon Jones and Donald Cerrone.
The breakdown positions Sterling above a list of acknowledged legends at the same point in their UFC careers, including Robert Whittaker, Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, and Anderson Silva. The analysis credits victories over elite opponents such as Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo as central to that standing, and points to a recent win over Zalal — described as a fighter past his prime — as further evidence of Sterling's continued competitiveness. The piece suggests one more significant win could cement his legacy as a true great, and two more as an all-time legend, particularly if he can add a featherweight title to his bantamweight championship reign.
For context, Jones sits atop the historical comparison with a 22-1 mark through his first 23 UFC fights. The thirty-eight-year-old heavyweight, standing six-foot-four with an eighty-four-inch reach, lands 4.38 significant strikes per minute at a remarkable 58 percent accuracy. Cerrone, now 43, posted a 19-4 record through the same stretch, averaging 4.41 significant strikes per minute across a career that spanned multiple weight classes.
Henry Cejudo, one of the marquee names on Sterling's résumé, holds a current record of 16-6 and is ranked ninth at bantamweight. The thirty-nine-year-old Olympic gold medalist stands five-foot-four with a 64-inch reach and lands 3.82 significant strikes per minute at 47 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Sterling's 18-5 UFC record through 23 fights places him in rare historical company by win percentage
- His bantamweight title reign and wins over Yan and Cejudo anchor the argument for elite status
- A move to featherweight could open a new chapter and further define his legacy
