Aljamain Sterling Bio
Aljamain Antoine Sterling (born July 31, 1989) is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is a former UFC Bantamweight Champion and the first UFC champion to win a title by disqualification. Sterling has also competed for Cage Fury Fighting Championship, where he held the Bantamweight title.
Early Life and Background
Aljamain Sterling was born in Uniondale, New York, to Jamaican parents Cleveland and Sophia Sterling. He grew up in a large family with seven full siblings and at least twelve half-siblings. To avoid the gang life that affected some of his brothers, Sterling began wrestling at Uniondale High School in 2004, which laid the foundation for his future combat sports career.
After high school, Sterling attended Morrisville State College to continue wrestling before transferring to SUNY Cortland. There, he became a two-time NCAA Division III All-American with an 87–27 record and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. His wrestling style earned him the nickname “The Funk Master.”
Path to MMA
Sterling’s interest in mixed martial arts grew while training with Jon Jones at The BombSquad gym in Ithaca, New York. He began his amateur MMA career in 2009, compiling a 6–1 record and winning amateur championships at Raging Wolf and Extreme FC. Turning professional in 2010, Sterling quickly made a name for himself by capturing the ROC Bantamweight Championship and later the Cage Fury Fighting Championship Bantamweight title, defending it three times before joining the UFC.
Aljamain Sterling Career
Early Career (2010–2013)
Sterling started his professional MMA career in 2010, winning his first two fights before claiming the Ring of Combat Bantamweight Championship. He then signed with Cage Fury Fighting Championships, where he debuted with a TKO victory and secured the vacant Bantamweight title by unanimous decision. Sterling defended this title three times, all by submission, showcasing his grappling prowess.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2014–2023)
Sterling made his UFC debut in 2014, winning his first fight by unanimous decision. Over the next several years, he built a reputation as a skilled and versatile fighter, earning notable victories over opponents such as Takeya Mizugaki, Renan Barão, and Pedro Munhoz. In 2020, Sterling won a title eliminator against Cory Sandhagen via first-round submission, earning Performance of the Night honors.
In March 2021, Sterling became the UFC Bantamweight Champion after Petr Yan was disqualified for an illegal knee, marking the first time a UFC title changed hands due to disqualification. Sterling successfully defended the title multiple times, including a TKO win over T.J. Dillashaw and a split decision over Henry Cejudo. He lost the bantamweight title to Sean O’Malley in August 2023.
Featherweight Division and Current Era (2024–Present)
In 2024, Sterling moved up to the Featherweight division, debuting with a unanimous decision win over Calvin Kattar at UFC 300. Despite considering retirement if he lost that fight, Sterling showed resilience and competitiveness in his new weight class. He was scheduled to face Movsar Evloev in October 2024 but withdrew due to injury. The bout was rescheduled for December 2024, where Sterling lost by unanimous decision. In August 2025, he defeated Brian Ortega by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 257 in a catchweight bout.
Driving Style and Strengths
Aljamain Sterling is known for his unorthodox wrestling style, which earned him the nickname “The Funk Master.” His strengths include exceptional grappling and submission skills, with eight wins by submission in his professional career. Sterling’s ability to control opponents on the ground and his strategic approach to fights have been key to his success, supported by his training with the Serra-Longo Fight Team.
Notable Events and Milestones
Sterling made history as the first UFC champion to win a title by disqualification. His victory over Petr Yan for the bantamweight title was a landmark moment. He also holds multiple title defenses and earned Performance of the Night honors. Sterling’s transition to featherweight and continued competitiveness at the highest level highlight his adaptability and skill.
Aljamain Sterling Career Wins
Aljamain Sterling has amassed 25 professional wins out of 30 fights, demonstrating a well-rounded skill set with victories by submission, decision, knockout, and disqualification. His career includes championship titles in regional promotions and the UFC.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
Sterling’s UFC career features significant wins, including his first UFC victory by unanimous decision and his title-winning bout by disqualification. He has successfully defended the bantamweight title multiple times, with notable wins over T.J. Dillashaw and Henry Cejudo. His most recent featherweight win came against Calvin Kattar at UFC 300.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the UFC, Sterling claimed the Ring of Combat Bantamweight Championship and the Cage Fury Fighting Championship Bantamweight title, defending the latter three times. His early career showcased his submission skills and ability to finish fights, setting the stage for his UFC success.
Aljamain Sterling Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Aljamain Sterling was born to Jamaican parents Cleveland and Sophia Sterling. He grew up in a large family with multiple siblings. His upbringing in Uniondale, New York, influenced his early involvement in wrestling as a positive outlet away from local gang activity.
Personal Life
Sterling resides in Massapequa, New York. Details about his marital status or children are not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Aljamain Sterling continued competing in the UFC Featherweight division. He secured a unanimous decision win over Brian Ortega at UFC Fight Night 257 in August. Earlier in the year, he faced setbacks including a unanimous decision loss to Movsar Evloev in December 2024 after withdrawing from the originally scheduled October bout due to injury. Sterling remains a top contender in the featherweight rankings, training with the Serra-Longo Fight Team and aiming to regain championship status.