Aljamain Sterling

BIOGRAPHY

Aljamain Sterling is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) bantamweight division. He has been a professional fighter since 2011, and currently holds a record of 19-3 with 7 wins by knockout and 8 by submission.

Sterling was born in Uniondale, New York on July 31st 1989. After graduating from Uniondale High School he attended Cortland State University where he earned his degree in Human Developmental Psychology. While there, he also competed as a wrestler and found success that furthered his passion for combat sports. In 2010, Aljamain won the NCAA Division III East Regional 145 lbs title while competing at 149 lbs weight class during the season; additionally, his team placed third overall at the national championship tournament after placing second two years prior.

Upon graduation from college in 2011, Sterling began to pursue a career as an MMA fighter while training out of Serra-Longo Fight Team alongside UFC champions Chris Weidman and Matt Serra; it wasn’t long before he made his professional debut against Jeff Lentz for Ring Of Combat 41 in Atlantic City winning via TKO within 1 minute 10 seconds into round one.. His performance would be quickly noticed catching the attention of UFC President Dana White who promised him “the biggest fight contract ever given” to any newcomer if Aljamain could win 5 consecutive fights – which he did over three different promotions including Titan FC culminating signing with UFC 2014 when then reigning Bantamweight champion Renan Barao pulled out due to injury against Urijah Faber at UFC 181 due to injury resulting in Aljamain’s promotional debut being moved up many months earlier than originally planned . As soon as Sterling joined The Octagon making short work defeating Takeya Mizugaki via triangle armbar submission just 2 minutes 30 seconds into Round 1 earning him Performance Bonus award & Submission Of The Night accolades thereafter going onto win 3 additional fights versus Johnny Eduardo , Augusto Mendes , & Brett Johns before suffering back-to-back losses against Raphael Assuncao & Marlon Moraes respectively subsequently dropping down Featherweight but ultimately returning back up Bantamweight during 2017 year ending campaigning off strong with 4 straight victories over Brett Johns , Jimmie Rivera , Cody Stamann , & Pedro Munhoz despite being finished twice earning bonuses along way once again eventually leading towards potential title shot until torn ACL injury sidelined 2019 campaign altogether forcing layoff entire year .

As 2020 approaches coming full circle nearly seven years since beginning career pro fighting circuit we find ourselves eagerly awaiting return former top ranked contender ranked No 5 pound pound per USADA rankings scheduled face Cory Sandhagen February 29th next month Orlando Florida already scheduling some offseason camps teaching seminars so regardless outcome come March first rest assured fear ‘Funk Master’ will still be around sparring away ready take scene another run whenever opportunity arises