After 23 UFC fights, Aljamain Sterling has an 18-5 record, the third-best winning percentage in promotion history at that stage, behind only Jon Jones (22-1) and Donald Cerrone (19-4). Sterling's record equals Dustin Poirier and Matt Hughes at that career point, and surpasses legends like Robert Whittaker, Sean Strickland, Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, Anderson Silva, and Chuck Liddell. The analysis argues Sterling deserves recognition as an outstanding fighter, comparing his achievements favorably to legends like Mirko Cro Cop. Sterling's second victory over Petr Yan is cited as historic, with Yan ranked among the top-10 most talented fighters ever. The post reviews their rematch, agreeing with the 3-2 split decision for Sterling and detailing how Yan conceded too many early points in round one. Sterling's recent victory over Said Nurmagomeddin Zalal, despite looking heavy, demonstrates his elite status across two competitive weight classes over 12 years. A potential path to legendary status exists if Sterling can defeat Diego Lopes or Movsar Evloev and capture the featherweight title.
A statistical deep-dive published this week makes the case that Aljamain "Funk Master" Sterling belongs in a conversation with the UFC's greatest fighters, pointing to his winning percentage through 23 promotional appearances as one of the best the sport has ever seen.
The analysis notes that Sterling's 18-5 record at the 23-fight mark placed him third all-time in winning percentage at that career stage, behind only Jon Jones and Donald Cerrone. That puts Sterling ahead of celebrated veterans including Anderson Silva, Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, Chuck Liddell, and Robert Whittaker at the same point in their UFC runs.
Sterling, now 36 and currently ranked fourth in the featherweight division, carries a full record of 26-5. Fighting out of the Serra-Longo Fight Team, the American stands five-foot-seven with a 71-inch reach and has been a consistent offensive presence, landing 4.45 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy while also threatening with 2.45 takedowns per 15 minutes and 0.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes. The piece specifically highlights his second victory over Petr Yan as a landmark result, agreeing with the 3-2 split decision and arguing that Yan surrendered too many points in the opening round to recover.
Yan, now the bantamweight champion at 33 years old, holds a 20-5 record and is described in the analysis as one of the most talented fighters the sport has produced. The Russian switches stances and lands an elite 5.12 significant strikes per minute at 54 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Sterling's statistical legacy is now being evaluated alongside UFC legends despite limited mainstream recognition
- His recent featherweight win over Said Nurmagomedov Zalal, though he appeared above his best weight, underscores his adaptability across two divisions
- A victory over either Diego Lopes or the undefeated Movsar Evloev — currently ranked first at featherweight with a perfect 20-0 record — could open a path to featherweight title contention and cement his place among the sport's elite
