Aldjamain Sterling now has an 18-5 record after 23 UFC fights, giving him the third-best winning percentage in UFC history at that mark, behind only Jon Jones (22-1) and Donald Cerrone (19-4). Sterling's percentage matches Dustin Poirier and Matt Hughes. The post argues Sterling deserves recognition as an outstanding fighter, comparing his achievements favorably to past legends. His victories over Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo are highlighted as historically significant. The analysis suggests Sterling is one victory away from great status and two from absolute legend status. His recent victory over Zalal, despite looking heavy, demonstrates continued elite performance across two competitive weight classes.
Aljamain Sterling has quietly built one of the most impressive winning percentages in UFC history, and a fresh statistical breakdown puts that achievement in sharp relief.
After 23 appearances in the octagon, Sterling sits at 18-5, a record that gives him the third-best winning percentage at that fight threshold in UFC history. Only Jon Jones, who went 22-1 through his first 23 bouts, and Donald Cerrone, who posted a 19-4 mark over the same span, rank ahead of him. Sterling's percentage ties him with both Dustin Poirier and Matt Hughes at that milestone.
Jones, now 38, remains the measuring stick against which all UFC careers are judged. His 28-1-0 overall record, a 58 percent striking accuracy mark, and a reach of 84 inches — or 213 centimeters — have made him the consensus standard for all-time greatness in the sport. The fact that Sterling's early-career winning rate places him in that conversation is notable by any measure.
Poirier, the 37-year-old American Top Team veteran sitting at 30-10-0, brings his own credentials to the historical comparison. Landing 5.24 significant strikes per minute with 50 percent accuracy across a lengthy career, he represents the kind of durability and output that defines elite longevity.
The analysis also points to the quality of Sterling's résumé as a factor in the argument. Victories over Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo — the 39-year-old Olympic gold medalist and former two-division champion — are cited as wins that stand up against anything produced by past legends. Cejudo, despite his modest 64-inch reach, averaged 1.84 takedowns per 15 minutes across his career and remains one of the more decorated opponents Sterling has faced.
Why it matters
- Sterling's 18-5 record through 23 UFC fights places him in historically elite company at that benchmark
- Wins over Yan and Cejudo anchor a résumé that invites legitimate all-time comparisons
- His ability to compete across two weight classes adds further weight to the argument for broader recognition
