Aljamain Sterling, nicknamed “Funk Master,” is a standout in the UFC bantamweight division, bragging a professional record of 24 wins and 5 losses. A two-time Division III All-American wrestler, Sterling blends grappling with striking in his dynamic fighting style. He is a former bantamweight champion with the most consecutive title defenses in UFC history. Known for his powerful submissions and tactical takedowns, his career continues to evolve, revealing more intriguing facets of his expedition.
Early Life
Aljamain Sterling began his expedition in martial arts at a young age, demonstrating his athleticism and dedication early on.
During his childhood, he developed a strong foundation in wrestling, which ultimately led him to become a two-time Division III All-American wrestler.
As he progressed to college, he attended SUNY Cortland, where he continued to refine his grappling skills.
It was during this time that he was inspired to pursue a career in mixed martial arts after watching fights on television, recognizing his potential in the sport.
Sterling’s background in wrestling has greatly shaped his fighting style, providing him with a unique edge in the competitive world of MMA.
Family Life
Aljamain Sterling has a profound appreciation for his family, particularly crediting his mother for instilling values of hard work and perseverance in him.
He enjoys a supportive relationship with his siblings, who regularly attend his fights to cheer him on. Family is an integral part of his identity, and he often shares insights about his upbringing, highlighting the importance of their support throughout his path in mixed martial arts.
Despite the demanding nature of his UFC career, Aljamain makes a conscious effort to prioritize time with his loved ones, demonstrating that family remains a central focus in his life.
Career
Aljamain Sterling, known as “Funk Master,” has established himself as a prominent figure in the bantamweight division of MMA, holding a professional record of 24 wins and 5 losses.
A two-time Division III All-American wrestler, Sterling has demonstrated his skills with three victories by KO/TKO and eight by submission.
As a former bantamweight champion, he holds the impressive record for the most consecutive title defenses in UFC history, successfully defending his title three times.
His remarkable fight history includes notable wins against top competitors like T.J. Dillashaw and Henry Cejudo, although he faced a setback with a title loss to Sean O’Malley at UFC 292.
Sterling’s fighting style blends Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts, with an average of 2.51 takedowns landed per 15 minutes and a striking accuracy of 52%.
Net Worth
Aljamain Sterling has an estimated net worth of approximately $1 million USD, greatly influenced by his UFC earnings, which total around $518,000 from fights, bonuses, and sponsorships.
His top five career purses include:
- $200,000 for his title fight against Petr Yan
- $150,000 for his match against Cory Sandhagen
- $100,000 from his bout with Merab Dvalishvili
- $50,000 for his fight against Jimmy Rivera
- $18,000 for his early career fight against Renan Barao
As a two-time bantamweight champion with a professional record of 24 wins and 5 losses, Aljamain Sterling’s marketability and financial success are enhanced by endorsements, merchandise sales, and public appearances.