Aljamain Sterling is a professional mixed martial artist from the United States who competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bantamweight division.
With a record of 20 wins and just three losses, Sterling has established himself as one of the top fighters in his weight class, known for his explosive grappling and striking skills.
Beyond his success in the octagon, Sterling has also amassed significant wealth throughout his career, with a reported net worth of $2 million.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Sterling’s fights, career earnings, salary, and net worth, giving readers a comprehensive overview of the financial aspect of his life as a professional athlete.
Name | Aljamain Sterling |
---|---|
Date of Birth | July 31, 1989 |
Place of Birth | Uniondale, New York |
Height | 5’7″ (170 cm) |
Reach | 71″ (180 cm) |
Weight Class | Bantamweight (135 lbs / 61.2 kg) |
MMA Debut | November 12, 2011 |
Professional Record | 20 wins, 3 losses, 0 draws |
Wins by KO/TKO | 5 |
Wins by Submission | 8 |
Wins by Decision | 7 |
UFC Debut | February 23, 2014 |
UFC Record | 12 wins, 2 losses, 0 draws |
UFC Bantamweight Rank | #1 (as of April 2023) |
UFC Bantamweight Title | Champion (won on March 6, 2021) |
Most UFC Submissions | 6 |
Estimated Net Worth | $2 million (as of 2023) |
Aljamain Sterling’s Early Life
Aljamain Sterling was born on July 31, 1989, in Uniondale, New York. Growing up in a rough neighborhood in Long Island, Sterling was exposed to violence and crime at an early age. He found solace in sports and began playing football and wrestling in high school.
Although he was a talented athlete, Sterling struggled academically and dropped out of college after one semester.
After leaving college, Sterling moved to Las Vegas to pursue his dream of becoming a professional fighter. He began training at the world-renowned gym, Xtreme Couture, under the tutelage of coaches such as Ray Sefo and Eric Nicksick. Sterling worked tirelessly to improve his skills, often training for up to eight hours a day, six days a week.

Despite facing financial struggles and setbacks early on in his career, Sterling never gave up on his dream and continued to work towards becoming a successful MMA fighter.
His hard work and dedication paid off, and he eventually made his way to the UFC, where he has become one of the top bantamweight fighters in the world.
Aljamain Sterling’s Career
Aljamain Sterling began his professional MMA career in 2011, and since then has become one of the top bantamweight fighters in the UFC. Here is a detailed look at his career, including his notable fights, records, and achievements.

Early Career
Sterling began his career fighting for regional promotions such as Cage Fury Fighting Championships and Ring of Combat. He quickly made a name for himself with his impressive grappling skills and ability to finish fights.
In just his third professional fight, he won the Ring of Combat bantamweight championship by defeating Sean Santella by decision.
UFC Debut
Sterling made his UFC debut on February 22, 2014, against Cody Gibson. He won the fight by unanimous decision, showcasing his striking and grappling skills.
Notable Fights
Sterling has fought numerous opponents over the years, but some of his most notable fights include:
- Aljamain Sterling vs. Renan Barao – In 2016, Sterling faced former UFC bantamweight champion Renan Barao. Despite being the underdog, Sterling dominated the fight and won by decision.
- Aljamain Sterling vs. Cody Stamann – In 2018, Sterling faced Cody Stamann in a bout. The fight ended in a controversial split draw, with many believing Sterling should have been awarded the victory.
- Aljamain Sterling vs. Petr Yan – In 2021, Sterling faced off against Petr Yan for the UFC bantamweight championship. The fight was stopped in the fourth round due to an illegal knee strike by Yan, and Sterling was awarded the title via disqualification.
Records and Achievements
Sterling’s career is filled with many impressive records and achievements. Here are some of his most notable accomplishments:
- Most UFC submissions in the bantamweight division – Sterling currently holds the record for the most submissions in the UFC bantamweight division with six.
- UFC Bantamweight Champion – Sterling won the UFC bantamweight championship in 2021, becoming the first fighter from Long Island to win a UFC title.
- Estimated net worth – Sterling’s estimated net worth is $2 million.
Aljamain Sterling’s Net Worth & Earnings
Aljamain Sterling’s estimated net worth is $2 million. This figure takes into account his disclosed purse earnings, endorsements, and other sources of income.
Throughout his career, Sterling has earned a total of $2,047,000 in disclosed purse earnings. However, this figure does not include undisclosed bonuses or other compensation that he may have received from the UFC or other promotions.
Aljamain Sterling’s Endorsements
Aljamain Sterling has had several sponsors throughout his career, including Reebok, Hayabusa, BioSteel, and the Ballengee Group.
These endorsements provide him with additional income beyond his purse earnings and increase his popularity among fans, potentially leading to even more lucrative opportunities in the future.
Aljamain Sterling: Foundation and Charity
Aljamain Sterling, who is also known as ‘Funk Master’, established the non-profit organization called Fighters for Cerebral Palsy, which aimed to assist children with Cerebral Palsy and other special needs.
Additionally, after winning the UFC bantamweight championship, Sterling returned to his home state to support the local wrestlers in planning their future endeavors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aljamain Sterling’s fighting style?
Aljamain Sterling is known for his well-rounded fighting style, which includes a mix of striking and grappling techniques. He is particularly skilled in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has the most submissions in the UFC bantamweight division.
Has Aljamain Sterling ever competed in other weight classes?
Sterling has primarily competed in the bantamweight division throughout his career. However, he has fought at featherweight in the past, and there have been rumors of a potential move up to the lightweight division.
What is Aljamain Sterling’s record in the UFC?
Sterling has a UFC record of 12 wins, 2 losses, and 0 draws. He has competed against some of the top bantamweight fighters in the world and is currently ranked as the #1 bantamweight contender in the UFC.
What is Aljamain Sterling’s net worth?
Aljamain Sterling’s estimated net worth is $2 million. He has earned this wealth through his career earnings, endorsements, and other sources of income.
What is the foundation that Aljamain Sterling founded?
Aljamain Sterling founded the non-profit organization Fighters for Cerebral Palsy, which aimed to help children with Cerebral Palsy and other special needs.
What has Aljamain Sterling done to support local wrestlers in his home state?
After winning the UFC bantamweight championship, Sterling returned to his home state to support local wrestlers with their future endeavors. He has been involved in planning events and helping young wrestlers pursue their dreams.