Aljamain Sterling
UFC 2014–present · rated in 5 editions · peak overall 88.0
Scouting report
Setting the UFC record for most consecutive bantamweight title defenses with three, Aljamain "Funk Master" Sterling climbed to the top of the division through positional control. Raised in Uniondale, New York, and representing Serra-Longo, Sterling defended his title against Petr Yan, T.J. Dillashaw, and Henry Cejudo. His ground game is reflected in a 95 BJJ and 92 Wrestling, with an 88 Overall rating.
Peak ratings
By edition
Sterling faced tough competition between 2016 and 2017, defeating Augusto Mendes and former champion Renan Barao at UFC 214 in Anaheim while dropping split decisions to Bryan Caraway and Raphael Assuncao and a knockout loss to Marlon Moraes. His wrestling scrambles, back takes, and jiu-jitsu control are reflected in an 88 Wrestling and 92 BJJ rating over these bouts.
Sterling won four consecutive fights from 2018 to 2019 over Brett Johns, Cody Stamann via Suloev stretch at UFC 228 in Dallas (2:42 into round two, after a full nelson attempt), Jimmie Rivera, and Pedro Munhoz. His wrestling, back-take ability, and pace are documented by an 90 Wrestling and 90 Cardio rating during this contender run.
In June 2020 at UFC 250 in Las Vegas, Sterling submitted Cory Sandhagen in 88 seconds with a rear-naked choke. In March 2021 at UFC 259, he captured the UFC Bantamweight Championship against Petr Yan via disqualification after Yan landed an illegal knee on a downed Sterling. His grappling transitions, submission offense, and control are reflected in an 95 BJJ and 92 Wrestling.
Sterling defended his bantamweight title by defeating Petr Yan in their UFC 273 rematch in Jacksonville, stopping TJ Dillashaw at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi, and outpointing Henry Cejudo at UFC 288 in Newark before losing the belt to Sean O'Malley at UFC 292 in Boston. His fight management and mat pressure are reflected in an 80 Boxing and 89 Fight IQ.
Draft Aljamain Sterling into your build
Aljamain Sterling enters the pool on any spin landing on bantamweight between 2016 and present. Spin, draft eight attributes, then simulate 25 fights.
Ratings shown are our own, built from independent research and from how Aljamain Sterling is regarded by the MMA community, with the EA Sports UFC games used only as a starting baseline for the scale. They are unofficial and do not constitute an assessment of Aljamain Sterling's real-world abilities. See the disclaimer below.