Sterling's 18-5 record after 23 UFC bouts ranks among elite company

Aljamain Sterling holds an 18-5 record after 23 UFC fights, placing him among the most successful fighters at that milestone. Only Jon Jones (22-1) and Donald Cerrone (19-4) had better records after 23 UFC bouts. Sterling matches Dustin Poirier and Matt Hughes at 18-5. The post argues Sterling deserves recognition as an outstanding fighter, with a better winning percentage than legends like Whittaker, Strickland, Aldo, Holloway, Anderson Silva, and Liddell. The analysis emphasizes Sterling's victories over elite opponents like Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo, suggesting his achievements rival or exceed some past legends. The piece notes Sterling is one or two wins away from legendary status if he can defeat top featherweights like Silva or Lopez and potentially challenge for the title.