Learn more about Aljamain Sterling's UFC history, fighter facts, and Q&A below.
FIghter Facts
- Pro since 2011
- Eight wins by submission (5 RNC, arm triangle, guillotine, modified kneebar), two by KO
- Has won seven of his last eight and five in a row
- Had 6-1 amateur record
- Four first round finishes
- Two-time Division III All-American wrestler
- Had 87-27 college wrestling record
- Origin of nickname: “It comes from my wrestling style.”
UFC History
UFC 259 (3/6/20) Sterling won the UFC bantamweight title over Petr Yan by disqualification (illegal knee)
UFC 250 (6/6/20) Sterling submitted Cory Sandhagen via rear naked choke at 1:28 of the first round
UFC 238 (6/8/19) Sterling won a three round unanimous decision over Pedro Munhoz
UFC on ESPN (2/17/19) Sterling won a three round unanimous decision over Jimmie Rivera
UFC 228 (9/8/18) Sterling submitted Cody Stamann via modified kneebar at 3:42 of the second round
UFC Fight Night (4/21/18) Sterling won a three round unanimous decision over Brett Johns
UFC Fight Night (12/9/17) Sterling was knocked out by Marlon Moraes at 1:07 of the first round
UFC 214 (7/29/17) Sterling won a three round unanimous decision over Renan Barao
UFC on FOX (4/15/17) Sterling won a three round unanimous decision over Augusto Mendes
UFC on FOX (1/28/17) Sterling lost a three round split decision to Raphael Assuncao
UFC Fight Night (5/29/16) Sterling lost a three round split decision to Bryan Caraway
UFC Fight Night (12/10/15) Sterling submitted Johnny Eduardo via guillotine choke at 4:28 of the second round
UFC on FOX (4/18/15) Sterling submitted Takeya Mizugaki via arm triangle at 2:11 of the third round
UFC Fight Night (7/16/14) Sterling stopped Hugo Viana via strikes at 3:50 of the third round
UFC 170 (2/22/14) Sterling won a three round unanimous decision over Cody Gibson
Q&A
TRAINING: We've worked a lot on reaction time, brain training, standup, and my personal favorite – wrestling.
When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training because I saw a former teammate/colleague - Jon Jones - training, and I also saw a few TUF shows. I asked him for an opportunity to train with him, I was invited and I haven’t looked back since. I thought it was tailor-made for me because I love one-on-one competition. It’s your skill set against my skill set. Nothing is more rewarding than knowing you earned your right to win!
What ranks and titles have you held? I’m a brown belt in BJJ, and a 2x All-American for SUNY Cortland at 133 and 141 lbs. I've held a belt at 135 and 145 lbs as an amateur. And I've held the Ring of Combat belt at 135 lbs, before vacating it to fight at CFFC and become their first 135 lbs champ.
Do you have any heroes? No heroes growing up. But I do look up to Al Iaquinta and Chris Weidman as role models now. I always try to match their work ethic and push myself past my limits.
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Fighting the UFC means a lot to me. I finally feel like all the hard work and dedication I put into making this a career hasn't been for nothing. All the hours my trainers and I put in will not go unnoticed. I'm an animal just trying to do savage-like things out there! When I dream, I work. REALITY! That’s what I live by. And I’m gonna go get it!
Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to SUNY Morrisville, studying accounting, before transferring to SUNY Cortland and getting my B.A. in Physical Education.What was your job before you started fighting? I was working as a shoe salesman at Saks Fifth, before being fired because I needed to get last minute things for school and called out of work. Then I just cut hair in school to help get by.
Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? Placed 4th & 6th at 133 lbs and 141 lbs as a JR & SR, respectively.
Ranks in any martial arts styles: I'm a brown belt under Matt "The Great" Serra, black belt in wrestling, a third degree black-belt in Funk-Jitsu, and I just got a stripe for having wicked muscles
Favorite grappling technique: Rear naked choke all day!!
Favorite Striking technique: Leg kicks, to chop down the tree!
