Aljamain Sterling, born on July 21, 1989, in New York, discovered his passion for mixed martial arts at a young age. Growing up with 19 siblings, including 14 sisters and 5 brothers, he found solace in wrestling. Sterling wrestled collegiately for SUNY-Cortland, where he excelled and earned the title of a two-time Division III All-American.
After finishing his college wrestling career, Sterling transitioned into the world of professional fighting. He quickly rose to fame in the Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC) between 2011 and 2014. During his time in CFFC, Sterling became the bantamweight champion, showcasing his skills and talent to a wider audience.
Sterling's success in CFFC caught the attention of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and he signed with the organization in 2014. He made his UFC debut at UFC 170 in February of that year, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career. Sterling's fighting prowess and determination led him to finish 2017 as the UFC's #7 ranked bantamweight.
Throughout his career, Sterling has garnered a significant following, amassing over 230,000 followers on social media platforms. His dedication to his craft and commitment to excellence have made him a respected figure in the MMA community. Sterling's journey from college wrestler to UFC contender is a testament to his hard work and perseverance.
Sterling's interest in mixed martial arts was sparked by a fateful meeting with Jon Jones while they were both students at Morrisville State College. Jones, a seasoned MMA fighter, inspired Sterling to pursue a career in the sport and hone his skills as a fighter. The influence of Jones played a pivotal role in Sterling's decision to pursue a professional fighting career.
Overall, Aljamain Sterling's journey in the world of MMA is a testament to his resilience, talent, and dedication to his craft. From his humble beginnings as a college wrestler to his current status as a top-ranked bantamweight in the UFC, Sterling's story is one of perseverance and passion for the sport.