After 23 fights in the UFC, Aljamain Sterling has an 18-5 record, which ranks as the third-best winning percentage in UFC history at that point in a career. Only Jon Jones (22-1) and Donald Cerrone (19-4) had better records after 23 UFC bouts. Sterling's winning percentage surpasses legends like Robert Whittaker, Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, Anderson Silva, and Chuck Liddell at the same career stage. The post argues that Sterling's accomplishments, including victories over elite opponents like Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo, place him among the sport's all-time greats. His success across two competitive weight classes over 12 years demonstrates exceptional consistency and skill.
Aljamain Sterling has quietly carved out one of the most statistically impressive careers in UFC history, and a closer look at the numbers after 23 Octagon appearances puts that achievement into sharp relief.
Across his UFC tenure, Sterling has compiled an 18-5 record through 23 fights, a winning percentage that ranks third-best in promotional history at that career stage. Only Jon Jones, who stood at 22-1 after his first 23 UFC bouts, and Donald Cerrone, who posted a 19-4 mark at the same point, posted better figures. Sterling's percentage eclipses those of acknowledged all-time greats including Robert Whittaker, Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, Anderson Silva, and Chuck Liddell at an identical career juncture.
Jon Jones, now 38 years old and carrying a current record of 28-1, is widely regarded as the benchmark for UFC excellence. His 58 percent striking accuracy and a reach of 84 inches — 213 centimeters — have made him a dominant force across multiple divisions throughout a career spanning well over a decade.
Donald Cerrone, 43, finished his UFC run with a final record of 36-17, but his 19-4 start remains one of the hottest openings in UFC history. The Colorado-based fighter averaged 4.41 significant strikes landed per minute over his career.
Sterling's path to this milestone has included victories over elite competition at bantamweight and beyond, notably wins over Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo. Cejudo, now ranked ninth at bantamweight at 39 years old, carried a record of 16-6 into his matchup with Sterling and is a former two-division champion.
Why it matters
- Sterling's winning percentage places him in historically elite company at the 23-fight mark, ahead of multiple hall-of-fame-caliber fighters
- His victories over Yan and Cejudo validate the quality of opposition he faced on that run
- Consistent performance across two weight classes over 12 years underscores his longevity and adaptability
