Aljamain Sterling

He quickly climbed the ranks, capturing the Ring of Combat Bantamweight Championship before securing the Cage Fury Fighting Championship (CFFC) Bantamweight Championship. Sterling successfully defended his CFFC title three times, with each defense concluded via rear-naked choke. His impressive regional success led to his signing with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2014, where he initially competed in the Bantamweight division. In 2018, Sterling earned the MMAJunkie.com Submission of the Year for his victory over Cody Stamann.

A pivotal moment in Sterling’s career occurred on March 6, 2021, when he made UFC history by becoming the first fighter to win a UFC championship by disqualification, securing the UFC Bantamweight Championship. He solidified his reign with three successful title defenses between 2022 and 2023 against notable opponents including Petr Yan, T.J. Dillashaw, and Henry Cejudo. His championship tenure saw him tie for the most consecutive title defenses in UFC Bantamweight division history with three, and tie for second most title fight wins with four.

Sterling continues to be an active competitor in the UFC’s Featherweight division, demonstrating his versatility and sustained elite performance. Beyond the UFC octagon, Sterling has also engaged in professional grappling competitions, further showcasing his technical prowess and dedication to combat sports. He remains a prominent figure in the MMA landscape, recognized for his strategic fighting style, wrestling expertise, and significant contributions to the UFC Bantamweight division’s record books.