Aljamain Sterling is an American bantamweight fighter currently signed to the UFC. He is a Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a former NCAA Division III wrestler. He trains out of Team Bombsquad in Cortland, New York. He has an Associates degree in Physical Education from SUNY Cortland. He has won 135 pound titles in Ring of Combat and CFFC. Of his nine professional wins, five have been finishes including four submissions.
Sterling was a two time NCAA Division III All American wrestler out of SUNY Cortland. While in college, he began training at Team Bombsquad. He finished his college career with a record of 87-27. He made his amateur debut in 2009 with a second round submission win. He would not fight again for a year, but when he came back, he suffered the only loss of his amateur career, a five round split decision. He would bounce back with ease, going 5-0 over the next four months with four submissions while also picking up a 145 pound and 135 pound title.
He dedicates his nickname, to who he calls "the orginal Funk Master" - in Ben Askren. Sterling said he was influenced by Askrens effective grappling style, studying it and applying aspects to his own game, and improving his own technique. He has also stated many times he is grateful for the many benefits the sport of competitive wrestling has provided him over the years in life, as well as in the cage.
In 2011, Aljamain would make his professional debut with a unanimous decision win. After picking up another submission win, he would be given a shot at the Ring of Combat bantamweight belt which he would win in a split decision. He would vacate the belt in order to begin fighting for CFFC. He made his promotional debut against Evan Chmieleski
and was able to pick up the first TKO of his career. His next fight would be against Sean Santella
for the CFFC bantamweight belt. He would win the fight by unanimous decision and go on to defend it three times with all three wins coming by rear naked choke.
In early 2014, Sterling would be picked up by the UFC as a replacement against Lucas Martins at UFC 170. Shortly after he was signed, Martins also had to withdraw from the fight and he was replaced by fellow debutant, Cody Gibson. In an exciting, back and forth fight, Sterling would come out on top to win a unanimous decision. He looks to pick up his 10th straight win and 2nd in the UFC when he faces Hugo Viana at UFC Fight Night 45.
