Aljamain Sterling
Aljamain Sterling | |
---|---|
![]() Sterling at UFC 228 in 2018 | |
Born | Aljamain Antoine Sterling[1] July 31, 1989 Uniondale, New York, U.S. |
Other names | Funk Master |
Residence | Massapequa, New York, U.S.[2] |
Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
Weight | 146 lb (66 kg; 10.4 st) |
Division | Featherweight (2011, 2024–present) Bantamweight (2011–2023) |
Reach | 71 in (180 cm)[3] |
Fighting out of | Uniondale, New York, U.S. |
Team | Serra-Longo Fight Team |
Trainer | Ray Longo[5] Matt Serra[6] Eric Nicksick[7] |
Rank | Black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Matt Serra[8] |
Wrestling | NCAA Division III Wrestling All-American[9] |
Years active | 2010–present |
Mixed martial arts record | |
Total | 28 |
Wins | 24 |
By knockout | 3 |
By submission | 8 |
By decision | 12 |
By disqualification | 1 |
Losses | 4 |
By knockout | 2 |
By decision | 2 |
University | Morrisville State College, BA in physical education |
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog |
Aljamain Antoine Sterling (born July 31, 1989) is an American professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Featherweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is the former UFC Bantamweight Champion.[10] Sterling is the first UFC champion to win a title by disqualification. He also competed for Cage Fury Fighting Championship, where he is a former Cage Fury Fighting Championship Bantamweight Champion. As of April 16, 2024, he is #8 in UFC featherweight rankings.[11]
Background
[edit]Sterling was born in 1989 in Uniondale, New York to Jamaican parents, Cleveland and Sophia Sterling.[2][12] He grew up with seven full siblings and at least 12 half-siblings.[2] To stay away from the prevalent gang life in which some of his brothers joined, Sterling started wrestling at Uniondale High School in 2004.[13][2]
Wrestling career
[edit]Unable to catch up with the grades to reach Division I, Sterling opted to enroll at Morrisville State College where he continued wrestling.[2] During the time in Morrisville, Sterling developed an interest in MMA when he met Jon Jones and trained on the wrestling team.[14] After his freshman year, Sterling transferred to Cortland and eventually became a two-time NCAA Division III All-American with a record of 87–27.[2][15] Sterling graduated from Cortland with a bachelor's degree in physical education.[16]
After years of absence from wrestling competition, Sterling wrestled and grappled two-time NCAA DI wrestling All-American and sophomore from Penn State Roman Bravo-Young, on December 22, 2020, at the NLWC IV.[17] The rules consisted of six minutes of freestyle wrestling and three minutes of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.[18] Sterling was defeated by points in the first match 6-4 but tapped out Bravo-Young in the second one.[19]
Sterling's nickname “The Funk Master” comes from his unorthodox wrestling style.[16]
Mixed martial arts career
[edit]While studying in Cortland, Sterling was invited by Jones to try out mixed martial arts at his gym of that time, The BombSquad in Ithaca, New York.[2] A few fights into his professional career, Sterling left The BombSquad and started training at Serra-Longo Fight Team.[2]
Early career
[edit]Sterling started his amateur career in 2009 with a submission win. Prior to turning pro Sterling compiled a 6-1 amateur record with the lone loss coming by way of split decision, he would eventually avenge this loss. Sterling captured the Raging Wolf amateur Bantamweight Championship and Extreme FC amateur Featherweight Championship along the way.[20]
Sterling started his professional career 2–0, before earning a shot at the ROC Bantamweight Championship. He would go on to defeat Claudio Ledesma by split decision to capture the title.[21] Although this would turn out to be his last bout under the Ring of Combat organization, as he would later sign with Cage Fury Fighting Championships.
Sterling made his CFFC debut in a Featherweight bout against Evan Chmieleski. He won the fight by TKO with just two seconds left in the first round. This victory earned him a shot at the vacant CFFC Bantamweight Championship. Sterling defeated Sean Santella via unanimous decision to capture his second professional title. He would go on to defend the CFFC Bantamweight Championship on three occasions. Sterling finished all three of his title defenses by rear naked choke, which earned him the opportunity to compete in the UFC.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
[edit]2014
[edit]Sterling was scheduled to make his UFC debut at UFC 170 against Lucas Martins, replacing an injured Bryan Caraway.[22] However Martins was eventually injured as well and replaced by fellow UFC newcomer Cody Gibson.[23] Sterling won the fight via unanimous decision.[24]
Sterling made his second UFC appearance on July 16, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 45 against Hugo Viana.[25] After controlling the majority of the fight Sterling landed a barrage of punches from the mount position causing the referee to wave off the fight late in the third round.
Sterling was expected to face Mitch Gagnon at UFC Fight Night: MacDonald vs. Saffiedine on October 4, 2014.[26] However, Sterling pulled out of the bout and was replaced by Rob Font.[27]
Following a quick recovery, Sterling was promptly rebooked and was expected to face Frankie Saenz on November 8, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 55.[28] However, Saenz was forced to withdraw from the bout and in turn promotional newcomer Michael Imperato was briefly linked as a replacement.[29] However, his signing was quickly rescinded[30] and as a result, Sterling was pulled from the event altogether.[31]
2015
[edit]Sterling was expected to face Manny Gamburyan on April 18, 2015, at UFC on Fox 15.[32] However, Gamburyan pulled out of the bout citing injury and was replaced by Takeya Mizugaki.[33] Sterling won the fight by submission in the third round.
Sterling faced Johnny Eduardo on December 10, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 80.[34] He won the fight via submission in the second round.[35]
2016
[edit]Sterling next faced Bryan Caraway on May 29, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 88.[36] Despite dominating the first round, Sterling began to tire and would go on to lose the following two rounds and lose via split decision.[37]
Sterling was expected to face Raphael Assunção on December 9, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 102.[38] However, Sterling pulled out of the fight on November 23 citing injury.[39] Assunção was subsequently removed from the card.[40]
2017
[edit]The bout with Assunção was rescheduled and took place on January 28, 2017, at UFC on Fox 23.[41] Sterling lost the fight via split decision.[42]
Sterling faced Augusto Mendes on April 15, 2017, at UFC on Fox 24.[43] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[44]
Sterling faced Renan Barão on July 29, 2017, at UFC 214.[45] The fight was initially contracted to be contested at bantamweight, however on June 28, the CSAC announced that they would not license Barão to compete at that weight due to his struggle to make the required weight at UFC 177. The bout with Sterling proceeded as scheduled at a catchweight of 140 lbs.[46] Sterling won the bout by unanimous decision.[47]
Sterling was expected to face Rani Yahya on December 9, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 123.[48] However, Yahya pulled out from the event on November 7, 2017, due to injury,[49] and was replaced by Marlon Moraes.[50] He lost the fight via KO in the first round.[51]
2018
[edit]Sterling faced Brett Johns on April 21, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 128.[52] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[53]
Sterling faced Cody Stamann on September 8, 2018, at UFC 228.[54] He won the fight via submission in the second round.[55]
2019
[edit]Sterling faced Jimmie Rivera on February 17, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 1.[56] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[57]
Sterling faced Pedro Munhoz on June 8, 2019, at UFC 238.[58] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[59]
2020
[edit]Sterling faced Cory Sandhagen on June 6, 2020, at UFC 250 in a bout that UFC president Dana White confirmed to be a bantamweight title eliminator.[60][61] He won the bout via submission in the first round.[62] This win earned him his first Performance of the Night.[63]
UFC Bantamweight Champion
[edit]Sterling was expected to face Petr Yan for the UFC Bantamweight Championship on December 12, 2020, at UFC 256.[64] However, on November 22, it was announced the bout was scrapped from the UFC 256 card due to undisclosed reasons[65] and the bout took place on March 6, 2021, at UFC 259.[66] Sterling won the fight by disqualification due to an intentional illegal knee in the fourth round, becoming the new UFC Bantamweight Champion. He became the first fighter in UFC history to win a championship by disqualification.[67]
A rematch with Yan was expected to take place on October 30, 2021, at UFC 267.[68] However, on September 25, Sterling withdrew from the contest due to lingering neck issues from surgery.[69] The pair was initially rescheduled to meet at UFC 272 on March 5, 2022,[70] but the bout was pushed back to UFC 273 on April 9.[71] Sterling won the close bout and defended the title via split decision.[72] 11 of 18 MMA media outlets scored the bout for Sterling, while 5 scored it as a draw.[73]
Sterling successfully defended his title against T.J. Dillashaw on October 22, 2022, at UFC 280.[74] Following a shoulder dislocation suffered by Dillashaw in the first, Sterling defended the title via TKO in the second round, marking his first victory by strikes in nearly eight years.[75][76][77]
Sterling faced Henry Cejudo on May 6, 2023, at UFC 288.[78] He won the fight by split decision and retained his title.[79] 21 of 23 MMA media outlets scored the bout for Sterling, while 2 scored it for Cejudo.[80]
Sterling faced Sean O'Malley on August 19, 2023, at UFC 292.[81] He lost the fight by second-round technical knockout and lost his title.[82]
Move to Featherweight
[edit]Sterling moved up to the featherweight division and faced Calvin Kattar on April 13, 2024, at UFC 300.[83] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[84] On an episode of The MMA Hour following the win, Sterling confessed he would have considered retiring if he lost to Kattar.[85]
Sterling is scheduled to face Movsar Evloev on October 5, 2024 at UFC 307.[86]
Professional grappling career
[edit]Sterling has also competed in submission grappling, defeating Damien Nitkin at High Rollerz 18 on August 13, 2022.[87]
Sterling was originally booked to compete in a superfight against Nathaniel Wood at Polaris 25 on September 30, 2023.[88] Wood withdrew from the match on a few week's notice and was replaced by Mike Grundy.[89] Sterling defeated Grundy by decision.[90]
Sterling faced Kevin Dantzler in the main event of Fury Pro Grappling 8 on December 30, 2023.[91] The bout was largely uneventful, with Dantzler immediately sitting down and spending the entirety in bottom position. The highlights of the match came when Dantzler attempted an armbar which Sterling defended by picking him up and spinning him around, along with dragging Dantzler around the mat by his ankle. Dantzler won the bout by decision. Sterling criticized the result, saying, "I don’t even know how they score that. Another man can’t drag his ass cheeks on the mat and think that’s a win, doing absolutely nothing."[92][93][94]
Sterling competed against Chase Hooper in the main event of ADXC 2 on January 19, 2024.[95] He won the match by split decision.[96]
Sterling faced Jay Jay Wilson on July 25, 2024 at Karate Combat's Pit Submission Series 7.[97] He won the bout by points in the overtime round.[98]
Championships and accomplishments
[edit]Mixed martial arts
[edit]- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- UFC Bantamweight Championship (One time)
- Three successful title defenses
- Most consecutive title defenses in UFC Bantamweight division history (3)
- Tied (Dominick Cruz & Renan Barão) for second most title fight wins in UFC Bantamweight division history (4)[99]
- Performance of the Night (One time) vs. Cory Sandhagen[63]
- 2020 Half-Year Awards: Best Submission of the 1HY vs. Cory Sandhagen[100]
- Most wins in UFC Bantamweight division history (14)[99]
- Tied (Dominick Cruz) for most wins in UFC/WEC Bantamweight division history (14)[101]
- Tied (Merab Dvalishvili) for the longest win streak in UFC Bantamweight division history (9)[99]
- Third most total fight time in UFC Bantamweight division history (3:55:40)[99]
- Most control time in UFC Bantamweight division history (1:08:36)[99]
- Second most total strikes landed in UFC Bantamweight division history (1670)[99] (behind Merab Dvalishvili)
- Tied (Raphael Assunção) for third most bouts in UFC Bantamweight division history (18)[99]
- Tied (Rani Yahya & Pedro Munhoz) for fifth most finishes in UFC Bantamweight division history (6)[99]
- Tied (Kyung Ho Kang & Marlon Vera) for third most submissions in UFC Bantamweight division history (4)[99]
- Tied (Takeya Mizugaki & Merab Dvalishvili) for second most decision wins in UFC Bantamweight division history (7)[99]
- Tied (Petr Yan) for fifth most significant strikes landed in UFC Bantamweight division history (1115)[99]
- Fourth most takedowns landed in UFC Bantamweight division history (32)[99]
- Third most submission attempts in UFC Bantamweight division history (13)[99]
- UFC Bantamweight Championship (One time)
- Cage Fury Fighting Championships
- CFFC Bantamweight Championship (One time)
- Three successful title defenses
- CFFC Bantamweight Championship (One time)
- Ring of Combat
- ROC Bantamweight Championship (One time)
- MMAJunkie.com
- 2018 Submission of the Year vs. Cody Stamann[102]
- 2020 June Submission of the Month vs. Cory Sandhagen[103]
- Cageside Press
- 2020 "Submission of the Year" vs. Cory Sandhagen, tied with Khabib Nurmagomedov and A.J. McKee[104]
- World MMA Awards
- 2022 Comeback of the Year[105]
Mixed martial arts record
[edit]28 matches | 24 wins | 4 losses |
By knockout | 3 | 2 |
By submission | 8 | 0 |
By decision | 12 | 2 |
By disqualification | 1 | 0 |
Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Win | 24–4 | Calvin Kattar | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 300 | April 13, 2024 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Return to Featherweight. |
Loss | 23–4 | Sean O'Malley | TKO (punches) | UFC 292 | August 19, 2023 | 2 | 0:51 | Boston, Massachusetts, United States | Lost the UFC Bantamweight Championship. |
Win | 23–3 | Henry Cejudo | Decision (split) | UFC 288 | May 6, 2023 | 5 | 5:00 | Newark, New Jersey, United States | Defended the UFC Bantamweight Championship. Broke the record for the most consecutive UFC Bantamweight Championship title defenses (3). |
Win | 22–3 | T.J. Dillashaw | TKO (punches) | UFC 280 | October 22, 2022 | 2 | 3:44 | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Defended the UFC Bantamweight Championship. |
Win | 21–3 | Petr Yan | Decision (split) | UFC 273 | April 9, 2022 | 5 | 5:00 | Jacksonville, Florida, United States | Defended and unified the UFC Bantamweight Championship. |
Win | 20–3 | Petr Yan | DQ (illegal knee) | UFC 259 | March 6, 2021 | 4 | 4:29 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Won the UFC Bantamweight Championship. |
Win | 19–3 | Cory Sandhagen | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC 250 | June 6, 2020 | 1 | 1:28 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | UFC Bantamweight title eliminator. Performance of the Night. |
Win | 18–3 | Pedro Munhoz | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 238 | June 8, 2019 | 3 | 5:00 | Chicago, Illinois, United States | |
Win | 17–3 | Jimmie Rivera | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. Velasquez | February 17, 2019 | 3 | 5:00 | Phoenix, Arizona, United States | |
Win | 16–3 | Cody Stamann | Submission (Suloev stretch) | UFC 228 | September 8, 2018 | 2 | 3:42 | Dallas, Texas, United States | |
Win | 15–3 | Brett Johns | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs. Lee | April 21, 2018 | 3 | 5:00 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |
Loss | 14–3 | Marlon Moraes | KO (knee) | UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Ortega | December 9, 2017 | 1 | 1:07 | Fresno, California, United States | |
Win | 14–2 | Renan Barão | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 214 | July 29, 2017 | 3 | 5:00 | Anaheim, California, United States | Catchweight (140 lb) bout. |
Win | 13–2 | Augusto Mendes | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Reis | April 15, 2017 | 3 | 5:00 | Kansas City, Missouri, United States | |
Loss | 12–2 | Raphael Assunção | Decision (split) | UFC on Fox: Shevchenko vs. Peña | January 28, 2017 | 3 | 5:00 | Denver, Colorado, United States | |
Loss | 12–1 | Bryan Caraway | Decision (split) | UFC Fight Night: Almeida vs. Garbrandt | May 29, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
Win | 12–0 | Johnny Eduardo | Submission (guillotine choke) | UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs. VanZant | December 10, 2015 | 2 | 4:18 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
Win | 11–0 | Takeya Mizugaki | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | UFC on Fox: Machida vs. Rockhold | April 18, 2015 | 3 | 2:11 | Newark, New Jersey, United States | |
Win | 10–0 | Hugo Viana | TKO (punches) | UFC Fight Night: Cowboy vs. Miller | July 16, 2014 | 3 | 3:50 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |
Win | 9–0 | Cody Gibson | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 170 | February 22, 2014 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
Win | 8–0 | Joel Roberts | Submission (rear-naked choke) | CFFC 30: Sterling vs. Roberts | November 2, 2013 | 1 | 1:49 | King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, United States | Defended the CFFC Bantamweight Championship. |
Win | 7–0 | Sidemar Honorio | Submission (rear-naked choke) | CFFC 16: Williams vs. Jacoby | August 24, 2012 | 2 | 4:05 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | Defended the CFFC Bantamweight Championship. |
Win | 6–0 | Casey Johnson | Submission (rear-naked choke) | CFFC 14: No Mercy | April 14, 2012 | 3 | 2:11 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | Defended the CFFC Bantamweight Championship. |
Win | 5–0 | Sean Santella | Decision (unanimous) | CFFC 11: Danger Zone! | October 22, 2011 | 5 | 5:00 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | Return to Bantamweight. Won the CFFC Bantamweight Championship. |
Win | 4–0 | Evan Chmielski | TKO (punches) | CFFC 10: Black Eye | July 23, 2011 | 1 | 4:58 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | Featherweight debut. |
Win | 3–0 | Claudio Ledesma | Decision (split) | Ring of Combat 36 | June 17, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | Won the Ring of Combat Bantamweight Championship. |
Win | 2–0 | Harley Leimbach | Submission (rear-naked choke) | EFC: Bragging Rights 2 | May 21, 2011 | 1 | 4:01 | Erie, Pennsylvania, United States | |
Win | 1–0 | Sergio da Silva | Decision (unanimous) | UCC 4: Supremacy | April 22, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Morristown, New Jersey, United States | Bantamweight debut. |
Pay-per-view bouts
[edit]No | Event | Fight | Date | Venue | City | PPV buys |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | UFC 288 | Sterling vs. Cejudo | May 6, 2023 | Prudential Center | Newark, New Jersey, United States | Not Disclosed[107] |
2. | UFC 292 | Sterling vs. O'Malley | August 19, 2023 | TD Garden | Boston, Massachusetts, United States | Not Disclosed[108] |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Fighters Rec | Aljamain Sterling". fightersrec. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Michael Rothstein (June 2, 2019). "Wrestling allowed Aljamain Sterling to make his own path". espn.com.
- ^ "Fight Card – UFC Fight Night Machida vs. Rockhold". UFC.com. Archived from the original on September 26, 2015. Retrieved April 19, 2015.
- ^ "Stats | UFC". ufcstats.com. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
- ^ "Ray Longo on why Aljamain Sterling doesn't get enough credit: 'He's not a conventional fighter'". MMA Junkie. May 24, 2023. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ "Matt Serra: Aljamain Sterling Will 'Break The Jaw' Of Alexander Volkanovski In Super Fight". MMA News | UFC News, Results & Interviews. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ Heck, Mike (October 12, 2022). "Aljamain Sterling's coach believes champ 'gained respect back from fanbase' ahead of UFC 280: 'We took a lot of s***'". MMA Fighting. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ Amy Kaplan (August 4, 2019). "Aljamain Sterling earns Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt". fansided.com.
- ^ Eric Holden (February 3, 2015). "Aljamain Sterling on UFC Newark: 'You know why I'm here'". axs.com.
- ^ "UFC 259 Official Scorecards". ufc.com. March 3, 2021. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
- ^ "UFC Rankings, Division Rankings, P4P rankings, UFC Champions | UFC.com". www.ufc.com. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
- ^ Mike Heck (May 20, 2020). "Aljamain Sterling feels 'pretty good' about odds he'll fight next for UFC bantamweight title". mmafighting.com.
- ^ "UFC Long Island: Aljamain Sterling". June 29, 2017.
- ^ Mark Daniels (June 22, 2011). "Aljamain Sterling on a similar path to success as mentor UFC Champ Jon Jones". MMAdiehards.com. Retrieved July 23, 2014.
- ^ Joe Myers (April 2, 2014). "Sherdog Prospect Watch: Aljamain Sterling". Sherdog.com. Retrieved July 23, 2014.
- ^ a b "A Red Dragon Uncaged". cortland.edu. December 1, 2017.
- ^ Collegian, Jake Aferiat | The Daily (December 6, 2020). "Penn State wrestler Roman Bravo-Young slated to wrestle UFC title contender Aljamain Sterling". The Daily Collegian. Retrieved December 6, 2020.
- ^ "Aljamain Sterling on Twitter: "IT'S OFFICIAL!!! December 22nd, I'm dusting off the wrestling shoes against .@romanbravoyoung - D1 vs D3 wrestling baby! This will be a feature match LIVE on .@TheRokfin. Link in my bio! - 6 minutes wrestling. 3 minutes of BJJ. Who you guys got? Drop a comment below!". Twitter. December 7, 2020.
- ^ Collegian, Jake Aferiat | The Daily (December 22, 2020). "Zain Retherford, Roman Bravo-Young put on strong showings as headliners in NLWC's fourth freestyle event". The Daily Collegian. Retrieved December 23, 2020.
- ^ "Aljamain Sterling "Funk Master"". mixedmartialarts.com. Retrieved July 23, 2014.
- ^ "Ring of Combat XXXVI Official Results". mixedmartialarts.com. Retrieved July 23, 2014.
- ^ Mike Whitman (January 29, 2014). "Aljamain Sterling Replaces Injured Bryan Caraway, Faces Lucas Martins at UFC 170". MMAdiehards.com. Retrieved July 23, 2014.
- ^ Guilherme Cruz (February 12, 2014). "Cody Gibson replaces Lucas Martins, will face Aljamain Sterling at UFC 170". MMAfighting.com. Retrieved July 23, 2014.
- ^ Steven Marrocco (February 22, 2014). "UFC 170 results: Aljamain Sterling hangs on to beat Cody Gibson". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved February 22, 2014.
- ^ MMAjunkie Staff (April 23, 2014). "Aljamain Sterling vs. Hugo Viana added to UFC Fight Night 45 in Atlantic City". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved July 23, 2014.
- ^ Cody Rempel (July 31, 2014). "UFC Fight Night 54: MacDonald vs. Saffiedine – Halifax – October 4". TopMMANews.com. Retrieved September 2, 2014.
- ^ Staff (September 8, 2014). "Rob Font replaces Aljamain Sterling, faces Mitch Gagnon at UFC Fight Night in Halifax". sherdog.com. Retrieved September 8, 2014.
- ^ Dana Becker (October 13, 2014). "UFC Fight Night 55 adds Aljamain Sterling-Frankie Saenz". fightline.com. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
- ^ Keith Grienke (October 26, 2014). "Imperato Joins UFC To Face Sterling at UFC Fight Night 55". TopMMANews.com. Retrieved October 26, 2014.
- ^ Keith Grienke (October 26, 2014). "UFC Rescinds Offer to Michael Imperato". topmmanews.com.
- ^ Thomas Gerbasi (October 29, 2014). "Changes hit Sydney card". ufc.com. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
- ^ Staff (January 8, 2015). "Manny Gamburyan vs. Aljamain Sterling added to UFC on FOX 15 in April". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved January 8, 2015.
- ^ Damon Martin (February 3, 2015). "Manny Gamburyan out; Takeya Mizugaki now faces Aljamain Sterling in New Jersey". Fox Sports. Retrieved February 3, 2015.
- ^ Luke Thomas (September 28, 2015). "Aljamain Sterling to face Johnny Eduardo at UFC Fight Night 80". mmafighting.com. Retrieved September 28, 2015.
- ^ Mike Bohn (December 10, 2015). "UFC Fight Night 80 results: Aljamain Sterling takes down, taps out Johnny Eduardo". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved December 10, 2015.
- ^ Dana Becker (March 31, 2016). "Aljamain Sterling gets his wish, will face Bryan Caraway at UFN 88". fightline.com. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
- ^ Dave Doyle (May 29, 2016). "UFC Fight Night 88 results: Bryan Caraway rallies past Aljamain Sterling". mmafighting.com. Retrieved May 29, 2016.
- ^ Brett Okamoto (October 10, 2016). "Raphael Assuncao-Aljamain Sterling added to UFC Fight Night in Dec". espn.co.uk. Retrieved October 10, 2016.
- ^ John Morgan (November 24, 2016). "Aljamain Sterling out at UFC Fight Night 102, promotion needs U.S.-based foe for Raphael Assuncao". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
- ^ Guilherme Cruz (November 28, 2016). "Raphael Assuncao removed from UFC Albany card after Aljamain Sterling injury". mmafighting.com. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
- ^ Ariel Helwani (December 7, 2016). "Raphael Assuncao vs. Aljamian Sterling slated for UFC on Fox 23". mmafighting.com. Retrieved December 7, 2016.
- ^ Ben Fowlkes (January 28, 2017). "UFC on FOX 23 results: Raphael Assuncao outpaces Aljamian Sterling for decision victory". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved January 28, 2016.
- ^ Dan Hiergesell (March 18, 2017). "Aljamain Sterling vs. Augusto Mendes added to UFC on Fox 24 on April 15". mmamania.com. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
- ^ Steven Marrocco (April 15, 2017). "UFC on FOX 24 results: Aljamain Sterling shows all-around skills, rebounds to beat Augusto Mendes". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved April 15, 2017.
- ^ Damon Martin (May 24, 2017). "Renan Barao returns to bantamweight, faces Aljamain Sterling at UFC 214". foxsports.com. Retrieved May 24, 2017.
- ^ Tristen Critchfield (June 28, 2017). "CSAC denies Barao license at bantamweight; UFC 214 bout vs. Sterling now set for 140 pounds". sherdog.com. Retrieved June 28, 2017.
- ^ Steven Marrocco (July 29, 2017). "UFC 214 results: Aljamain Sterling scores big win over Renan Barao at 140-pound catchweight". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved July 29, 2017.
- ^ Staff (October 18, 2017). "Aljamain Sterling vs. Rani Yahya added to UFC Fight Night 123 in Fresno". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved October 18, 2017.
- ^ "Aljamain Sterling needs new opponent for UFC-Fresno with Rani Yahya forced out". MMAjunkie. November 8, 2017. Retrieved November 8, 2017.
- ^ "Aljamain Sterling gets Marlon Moraes as UFC-Fresno replacement opponent". MMAjunkie. November 17, 2017. Retrieved November 18, 2017.
- ^ "UFC Fight Night 123 results: Marlon Moraes KOs Aljamain Sterling with ridiculous knee". MMAjunkie. December 10, 2017. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
- ^ Staff (February 8, 2018). "Aljamain Sterling vs. Brett Johns set for UFC Fight Night 128 in Atlantic City". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
- ^ "UFC Fight Night 128 results: Aljamain Sterling dominates previously unbeaten Brett Johns". MMAjunkie. April 22, 2018. Retrieved April 22, 2018.
- ^ Mark Francescutti (July 18, 2018). "UFC 228 in Dallas bouts revealed". sportsday.dallasnews.com. Archived from the original on May 17, 2019. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
- ^ "UFC 228 results: Aljamain Sterling shines with incredible submission of Cody Stamann". MMAjunkie. September 9, 2018. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
- ^ DNA, MMA (December 12, 2018). "Lang verwachte partij tussen Jimmie Rivera en Aljamain Sterling tijdens UFC Phoenix". Retrieved December 12, 2018.
- ^ "UFC on ESPN 1 results: Aljamain Sterling scintillating, shuts out Jimmie Rivera". MMAjunkie. February 18, 2019. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
- ^ Staff (April 5, 2019). "UFC sets Pedro Munhoz x Aljamain Sterling for the same card of Moraes x Cejudo" (in Portuguese). sportv.globo.com. Retrieved April 5, 2019.
- ^ "UFC 238 results: Aljamain Sterling dismantles Pedro Munhoz, calls for title shot". MMA Junkie. June 9, 2019. Retrieved June 9, 2019.
- ^ "Aljamain Sterling vs. Cory Sandhagen Targeted For UFC 250". Mma News | Ufc News, Results & Interviews. May 21, 2020. Retrieved May 21, 2020.
- ^ Fernando Quiles Jr. (June 6, 2020). "UFC President Dana White Confirms Sterling vs. Sandhagen Is Title Eliminator". MMANews.com. Archived from the original on June 7, 2020. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
- ^ Damon Martin (June 6, 2020). "UFC 250 results: Aljamain Sterling chokes out Cory Sandhagen in statement performance". MMAFighting.com. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
- ^ a b Anderson, Jay (June 7, 2020). "UFC 250 Bonuses: No Fight of the Night, O'Malley, Garbrandt Among Winners". Cageside Press. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
- ^ Mike Bohn (October 14, 2020). "Petr Yan vs. Aljamain Sterling bantamweight title fight set for UFC 256". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved October 14, 2020.
- ^ Damon Martin, Guillherme Cruz (November 22, 2020). "Petr Yan vs. Aljamain Sterling scrapped from UFC 256". MMAFighting.com. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
- ^ "UFC 259 gets third title fight with Petr Yan vs. Aljamain Sterling rebooking". MMA Junkie. January 7, 2021. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
- ^ Doherty, Dan (March 7, 2021). "UFC 259 Results: Aljamain Sterling Wins Title After Petr Yan's Illegal Knee". Cageside Press. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
- ^ Prithvi Mishra (July 9, 2021). "Aljamain Sterling returns to UFC action and will defend his title at UFC 267". essentiallysports.com. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
- ^ Mike Heck and Damon Martin (September 25, 2021). "Aljamain Sterling out of UFC 267 title fight vs. Petr Yan". mmafighting.com. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
- ^ Martin, Damon (January 5, 2022). "Alexander Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway 3, Aljamain Sterling vs. Petr Yan 2 booked for UFC 272". MMA Fighting. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
- ^ Shakiel Mahjouri, Brent Brookhouse (January 11, 2022). "UFC 273 fight card: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Korean Zombie, Aljamain Sterling vs. Petr Yan 2 set for April". CBS Sports. Retrieved January 11, 2022.
- ^ Law, Eddie (April 10, 2022). "UFC 273 Results: Aljamain Sterling Takes Split Decision Over Yan". Cageside Press. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
- ^ "Aljamain Sterling def. Petr Yan :: UFC 273 :: MMA Decisions".
- ^ Riggs, Drake (July 19, 2022). "Aljamain Sterling vs. T.J. Dillashaw bantamweight title tilt moved to UFC 280". MMA Mania. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
- ^ Anderson, Jay (October 22, 2022). "UFC 280: Aljamain Sterling Capitalizes on T.J. Dillashaw Injury for Successful Title Defense". Cageside Press. Retrieved October 23, 2022.
- ^ "Dillashaw Responds to Criticism for Hiding Shoulder Injury". Mma News | Ufc News, Results & Interviews. October 27, 2022.
- ^ "Aljamain Sterling: Injured or not, UFC 280 title fight wasn't going to get any better for T.J. Dillashaw". mmajunkie.com. October 22, 2022. Retrieved October 27, 2022.
- ^ Simon, Zane (February 20, 2023). "With Sterling vs. Cejudo set for May, the former double-champ looks to be an underdog again". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved February 20, 2023.
- ^ Anderson, Jay (May 7, 2023). "UFC 288: Aljamain Sterling Retains Against Henry Cejudo, Bad Blood Boils Over with O'Malley". Cageside Press. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
- ^ "Aljamain Sterling def. Henry Cejudo :: UFC 288:: MMA Decisions".
- ^ Newswire, MMA Fighting (May 16, 2023). "UFC 292 set for Aug. 19 in Boston, Aljamain Sterling vs. Sean O'Malley headlines". MMA Fighting. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
- ^ Dewar, Val (August 20, 2023). "UFC 292: Sean O'Malley Defends Takedowns, Knocks Out Aljamain Sterling". Cageside Press. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ Cole Shelton (December 21, 2023). "Dana White announces several new fights including three for UFC 300". bjpenn.com. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
- ^ McCorry, Patrick (April 14, 2024). "UFC 300: Aljamain Sterling Takes Decision Over Calvin Kattar in 145lb Debut". Cageside Press. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
- ^ Al-Shatti, Shaun (April 16, 2024). "Aljamain Sterling considered retirement if he lost at UFC 300: 'I was probably done'". MMA Fighting. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
- ^ Nolan King (July 19, 2024). "UFC 307 adds Movsar Evloev vs. Aljamain Sterling in crucial featherweight bout". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
- ^ "Aljamain Sterling Competes and Wins at High Rollerz 18". August 17, 2022.
- ^ Blackett, Todd (September 9, 2023). "Aljamain Sterling To Face Nathaniel Wood In Polaris 25 Superfight". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
- ^ Jones, Phil (September 19, 2023). "Aljamain Sterling Gets New Opponent For Polaris 25". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
- ^ "Polaris 25 Live Results, Play-by-play, Analysis, Highlights, More". Jitsmagazine. September 30, 2023. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
- ^ Lindsey, Alex (December 7, 2023). "Fury Pro Grappling 8 Lineup Stars Top MMA Fighters And BJJ Black Belts". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
- ^ "Fury Pro Grappling 8 Full Results And Review". Jitsmagazine. December 31, 2023. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
- ^ Behunin, Alexander (December 31, 2023). "Highlights! Aljamain Sterling Loses Weird Grappling Match, Pat Sabatini Locks Up Ultra Rare Submission | Fury Pro Grappling 8". MMAmania.com. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
- ^ Lee, Alexander K. (December 31, 2023). "Video: Aljamain Sterling spins opponent in the air to counter armbar, calls winner's strategy 'a disgrace'". MMA Fighting. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
- ^ "Aljamain Sterling And Chase Hooper Headline The Grappling Main Event Of The ADXC 2". Jitsmagazine. December 23, 2023. Retrieved December 23, 2023.
- ^ "ADXC 2 Full Results And Review". Jitsmagazine. January 20, 2024. Retrieved January 20, 2024.
- ^ Jones, Phil (July 23, 2024). "BJJ And MMA Stars Mix On Pit Submission Series 7 Card". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
- ^ "Pit Submission Series 7 Full Results And Review". Jitsmagazine. July 26, 2024. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m UFC (April 9, 2022). "UFC Bantamweight - Leaders". ufc.com.
- ^ Thomas Gerbasi (July 2, 2020). "2020 Half-Year Awards - The Submissions". Ultimate Fighting Championship.
- ^ "UFC 269 post-event facts: Charles Oliveira, Julianna Pena make history with title-fight wins". MMA Junkie. December 12, 2021. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
- ^ Mike Bohn (January 4, 2019). "MMAjunkie's 2018 'Submission of the Year': A little 'strudel' with your stretch". mmajunkie.com.
- ^ "MMA Junkie's 'Submission of the Month' for June: The 'Human Backpack' strikes again". mmajunkie.com. July 2, 2020.
- ^ "MMA 2020 Year in Review: Submission of the Year". cagesidepress.com. January 2, 2021. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
- ^ MMA Fighting Newswire (December 9, 2022). "2022 World MMA Awards Results". mmafighting.com. Retrieved December 17, 2022.
- ^ Sherdog.com. "Aljamain". Sherdog. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
- ^ "UFC 288: Sterling vs. Cejudo | MMA Event". Tapology.
- ^ "UFC 292: Sterling vs. O'Malley | MMA Event". Tapology.
External links
[edit]- 1989 births
- Living people
- American sportspeople of Jamaican descent
- African-American Christians
- African-American mixed martial artists
- American male mixed martial artists
- American male sport wrestlers
- Jamaican male mixed martial artists
- Jamaican male sport wrestlers
- Mixed martial artists from New York (state)
- Bantamweight mixed martial artists
- Mixed martial artists utilizing collegiate wrestling
- Mixed martial artists utilizing freestyle wrestling
- Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu
- American practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu
- Jamaican practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu
- People awarded a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu
- State University of New York at Cortland alumni
- Morrisville State College alumni
- Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters
- Ultimate Fighting Championship champions
- 21st-century American sportsmen
- 21st-century African-American sportspeople