After 23 UFC fights, Aljamain Sterling holds an 18-5 record, which is the third-best winning percentage in UFC history at that milestone, behind only Jon Jones (22-1) and Donald Cerrone (19-4). The analysis argues that Sterling deserves recognition as an outstanding fighter, comparing his achievements favorably to legends like Mirko Cro Cop. The post includes detailed fight breakdowns, particularly his second bout with Petr Yan, which Sterling won 3-2 on the scorecards. Sterling's recent victory over Zalal is highlighted as further proof of his elite status despite being past his peak. The author suggests Sterling is one victory away from great status and two from legendary status.
A new statistical analysis positions Aljamain Sterling among the greatest fighters in UFC history based on his performance across 23 UFC appearances, arguing his win-loss record at that milestone stands as the third-best winning percentage the promotion has ever seen.
The breakdown places Sterling behind only Jon Jones and Donald Cerrone at the 23-fight mark, with Sterling posting an 18-5 record at that stage. The analysis draws comparisons to established legends of the sport, including Mirko Cro Cop, framing Sterling as a fighter whose broader legacy has been underappreciated. The study singles out his second fight with Petr Yan as a centerpiece of his résumé, a contest Sterling won by split decision, three rounds to two on the scorecards.
Sterling, now 36 years old and competing at featherweight where he sits ranked fourth, currently holds a 26-5-0 professional record. Fighting out of the Serra-Longo Fight Team in the United States, he stands five-foot-seven with a 71-inch reach and has built his career on a well-rounded skillset. He lands 4.45 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy while averaging 2.45 takedowns per 15 minutes, reflecting his grappling-heavy approach. A recent victory over Zalal is also cited in the analysis as evidence that Sterling continues to perform at an elite level.
His former opponent Petr Yan, now the bantamweight champion at 33 years old, carries a 20-5-0 record. The Russian fighter, who trains out of Archangel Michael Club and switches stances, is one of the division's most active strikers, landing 5.12 significant strikes per minute at 54 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Sterling's 26-5-0 overall record and fourth-place featherweight ranking suggest he remains a title contender despite moving up in weight
- The statistical framing renews debate about how legacy and recognition are assigned to fighters outside the pound-for-pound elite conversation
- His stylistic blend of volume striking and elite takedown output at 2.45 per 15 minutes makes him a difficult matchup at any weight class
