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United States Aljamain Sterling is a decorated mixed martial artist and former UFC Bantamweight Champion, known for his wrestling prowess and strategic fighting style.
Official Partner of UFC, receiving prominent brand placement inside the Octagon at select UFC Fight Nights. Aljamain Sterling is also a Brand Ambassador for Fanttik, featuring in official TikTok Live sessions for Super Brand.
Exclusive energy drink partner, with Sterling signing on as an official ambassador and equity partner ahead of his UFC 288 fight.
Premier streetwear brand collaborating with the UFC, which Sterling has commented positively about regarding their contribution to fighter fashion and culture.
Sterling’s own rum brand, which won double gold at the Black Owned Spirit Awards. He discusses the importance of marketing and branding for his business.
Partnership with Eric Nicksick, a legendary MMA coach of multiple UFC champions including Aljamain Sterling.
Benefits from the UFC's Venum sponsorship program, which provides rewards to fighters.
Aljamain Antoine Sterling was born on July 31, 1989, in Uniondale, New York, to Jamaican parents. He was raised with a large family, which included seven full siblings and numerous half-siblings. To avoid negative influences, Sterling began wrestling at Uniondale High School in 2004. He continued his wrestling career at Morrisville State College and later transferred to Cortland, where he achieved two-time NCAA Division III All-American status, finishing with a record of 87-27. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Cortland. During his time at Morrisville, Sterling developed an interest in mixed martial arts (MMA) after meeting Jon Jones and training with the wrestling team.
Sterling’s professional MMA career began in 2011. He quickly rose through the ranks, capturing the Ring of Combat Bantamweight Championship and later the Cage Fury Fighting Championship (CFFC) Bantamweight Championship. He successfully defended the CFFC title three times, all via rear-naked choke. His success in regional promotions led to his signing with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2014. Throughout his UFC tenure, Sterling has competed in both the Bantamweight and Featherweight divisions. He is recognized for his striking differential, control time, and numerous takedowns within the Bantamweight division, where he holds several statistical records.
A significant milestone in Sterling’s career occurred on March 6, 2021, when he won the UFC Bantamweight Championship by disqualification, becoming the first fighter in UFC history to achieve a title win in this manner. He successfully defended this title three times against notable opponents including Petr Yan, T.J. Dillashaw, and Henry Cejudo. His championship reign culminated in a loss to Sean O’Malley on August 19, 2023. Sterling later transitioned to the Featherweight division in 2024, securing a unanimous decision victory over Calvin Kattar at UFC 300, a fight he considered a potential retirement bout. He continues to compete in the UFC’s Featherweight division and has also engaged in professional grappling competitions.
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