After 23 UFC fights, Aljamain Sterling holds an 18-5 record, giving him the third-best winning percentage in UFC history at that milestone. Only Jon Jones (22-1) and Donald Cerrone (19-4) had better records after 23 UFC bouts. Sterling's percentage surpasses legends like Robert Whittaker, Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, Anderson Silva, and Chuck Liddell at the same career point. The analysis argues Sterling deserves recognition as an outstanding fighter, comparing his accomplishments favorably to past legends and highlighting his victories over elite opponents like Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo. His recent victory over a strong opponent, despite looking physically challenged at featherweight, further demonstrates his skill level.
A statistical deep-dive into UFC career milestones places Aljamain Sterling in rare company, finding that his 18-5 record through 23 UFC appearances represents the third-best winning percentage in promotional history at that career marker.
The analysis positions Sterling behind only Jon Jones and Donald Cerrone among fighters measured at the 23-fight point. Jones, now 38, stands at 28-1-0 overall and remains one of the most decorated fighters in UFC history, boasting a striking accuracy of 58 percent and landing 4.38 significant strikes per minute across his career. Cerrone, 43, posted a 19-4 mark through his own 23rd UFC appearance and went on to compile a 36-17-0 professional record. Sterling's 18-5 record at the same milestone edges out a remarkable list of former champions and legends, including Robert Whittaker, Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, Anderson Silva, and Chuck Liddell.
Sterling's résumé carries considerable weight. Victories over Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo — the latter a 39-year-old former two-division champion now ranked ninth in the bantamweight division — anchor his claim among elite-level competition. The analysis also notes a recent win despite Sterling appearing physically undersized at featherweight, a result that adds further credibility to his skill set.
Why it matters
- Sterling's winning percentage at the 23-fight milestone places him in the same historical tier as Jones and Cerrone, two fighters widely regarded as all-time greats
- The comparison to Silva, Aldo, Liddell, and other legendary champions strengthens the case that Sterling's career has been undervalued in broader pound-for-pound conversations
- Wins over Yan and Cejudo confirm Sterling's record was built against genuine elite opposition, not padded against lesser competition
