Challenges Faced by Aljamain Sterling: Obstacles and Turning Points

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 8, 2025

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Aljamain Sterling. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Aljamain Sterling is an American professional mixed martial artist, currently competing in the UFC's Featherweight division. He is a former UFC Bantamweight Champion, notable for being the first UFC champion to win a title by disqualification. Before joining the UFC, Sterling was the Cage Fury Fighting Championship Bantamweight Champion. As of September 2024, he is ranked #9 in the UFC featherweight division.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

October 4, 2014: Pulled from UFC Fight Night

On October 4, 2014, Aljamain Sterling was scheduled to face Mitch Gagnon at UFC Fight Night: MacDonald vs. Saffiedine, but Sterling pulled out of the bout.

November 8, 2014: Pulled from UFC Fight Night 55

On November 8, 2014, Aljamain Sterling was scheduled to face Frankie Saenz at UFC Fight Night 55, but Saenz withdrew, a replacement was briefly linked but rescinded and Sterling was ultimately pulled from the event.

May 29, 2016: UFC Fight Night 88 Loss

On May 29, 2016, Aljamain Sterling faced Bryan Caraway at UFC Fight Night 88 and lost via split decision, despite dominating the first round.

December 9, 2016: Pulled from UFC Fight Night 102

On December 9, 2016, Aljamain Sterling was expected to face Raphael Assunção at UFC Fight Night 102, but Sterling pulled out of the fight on November 23 due to injury.

January 28, 2017: UFC on Fox 23 Loss

On January 28, 2017, Aljamain Sterling faced Raphael Assunção at UFC on Fox 23 and lost the fight via split decision.

July 29, 2017: UFC 214 Victory

On July 29, 2017, Aljamain Sterling faced Renan Barão at UFC 214 in a catchweight bout of 140 lbs, after the CSAC would not license Barão to compete at bantamweight, and Sterling won by unanimous decision.

November 7, 2017: Rani Yahya Pulls Out of UFC Fight Night 123

On November 7, 2017, Rani Yahya pulled out of the scheduled fight against Aljamain Sterling at UFC Fight Night 123 due to injury.

December 9, 2017: UFC Fight Night 123 Loss

On December 9, 2017, Aljamain Sterling faced Marlon Moraes at UFC Fight Night 123, losing the fight via KO in the first round.

December 12, 2020: UFC 256 Bout Scrapped

On December 12, 2020, Aljamain Sterling was expected to face Petr Yan for the UFC Bantamweight Championship at UFC 256. However, the bout was scrapped from the card due to undisclosed reasons.

October 30, 2021: Withdrawal from UFC 267

On October 30, 2021, Aljamain Sterling was expected to have a rematch with Petr Yan at UFC 267, but Sterling withdrew from the contest on September 25 due to lingering neck issues from surgery.

March 5, 2022: Rematch Pushed Back

On March 5, 2022, the rematch between Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan was initially rescheduled to UFC 272, but the bout was pushed back to UFC 273 on April 9.

August 19, 2023: UFC 292 Title Loss

On August 19, 2023, at UFC 292, Aljamain Sterling faced Sean O'Malley and lost the fight by second-round technical knockout, losing his title.

December 30, 2023: Fury Pro Grappling 8 Loss

On December 30, 2023, Aljamain Sterling faced Kevin Dantzler in the main event of Fury Pro Grappling 8 and lost the bout by decision, a result Sterling criticized.

October 5, 2024: Withdrawal from UFC 307

On October 5, 2024, Aljamain Sterling was scheduled to face Movsar Evloev at UFC 307, but he withdrew from the fight due to an injury sustained in sparring.