Aljamain Sterling's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Aljamain Sterling. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

July 16, 2014: UFC Fight Night 45 Victory

On July 16, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 45, Aljamain Sterling defeated Hugo Viana via TKO in the third round after landing a barrage of punches.

April 18, 2015: UFC on Fox 15 Victory

On April 18, 2015, Aljamain Sterling defeated Takeya Mizugaki by submission in the third round at UFC on Fox 15 after Manny Gamburyan pulled out due to injury.

December 10, 2015: UFC Fight Night 80 Win

On December 10, 2015, Aljamain Sterling defeated Johnny Eduardo via submission in the second round at UFC Fight Night 80.

April 15, 2017: UFC on Fox 24 Win

On April 15, 2017, Aljamain Sterling faced Augusto Mendes at UFC on Fox 24 and won the fight by unanimous 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.

April 21, 2018: UFC Fight Night 128 Victory

On April 21, 2018, Aljamain Sterling faced Brett Johns at UFC Fight Night 128 and won the fight via unanimous decision.

September 8, 2018: UFC 228 Win

On September 8, 2018, Aljamain Sterling faced Cody Stamann at UFC 228 and won the fight via submission in the second round.

February 17, 2019: UFC on ESPN 1 Victory

On February 17, 2019, Aljamain Sterling faced Jimmie Rivera at UFC on ESPN 1 and won the fight by unanimous decision.

June 8, 2019: UFC 238 Win

On June 8, 2019, Aljamain Sterling faced Pedro Munhoz at UFC 238 and won the fight by unanimous decision.

June 6, 2020: UFC 250 Win and Performance of the Night

On June 6, 2020, Aljamain Sterling faced Cory Sandhagen at UFC 250, winning by submission in the first round and earning a Performance of the Night bonus.

March 6, 2021: UFC Bantamweight Championship Victory

On March 6, 2021, Aljamain Sterling faced Petr Yan at UFC 259 for the UFC Bantamweight Championship and won by disqualification due to an intentional illegal knee in the fourth round, becoming the new champion and the first in UFC history to win a title by disqualification.

August 13, 2022: High Rollerz 18 Victory

On August 13, 2022, Aljamain Sterling competed in submission grappling, defeating Damien Nitkin at High Rollerz 18.

October 22, 2022: UFC 280 Title Defense

On October 22, 2022, at UFC 280, Aljamain Sterling successfully defended his title against T.J. Dillashaw. Sterling won via TKO in the second round following a shoulder dislocation suffered by Dillashaw in the first, marking Sterling's first victory by strikes in nearly eight years.

May 6, 2023: UFC 288 Title Defense

On May 6, 2023, at UFC 288, Aljamain Sterling faced Henry Cejudo and won the fight by split decision, retaining his title.

September 30, 2023: Polaris 25 Victory

On September 30, 2023, Aljamain Sterling was originally booked to compete against Nathaniel Wood at Polaris 25. After Wood withdrew he faced Mike Grundy and defeated him by decision.

January 19, 2024: ADXC 2 Victory

On January 19, 2024, Aljamain Sterling competed against Chase Hooper in the main event of ADXC 2 and won the match by split decision.

April 13, 2024: UFC 300 Victory

On April 13, 2024, Aljamain Sterling moved up to the featherweight division and faced Calvin Kattar at UFC 300, winning the fight by unanimous decision. He later admitted he would have considered retirement if he had lost.