Aljamain Sterling

Aljamain Antoine Sterling, known to fans as “Funk Master,” is an American mixed martial artist from Uniondale, New York, who held the UFC Bantamweight Championship from 2021 to 2023. Born on June 31, 1989, Sterling was a standout wrestler at Suffolk County Community College before pursuing MMA, developing into a well-rounded fighter with elite grappling, strong clinch work, and increasingly sharp striking that he refined throughout his title run.

Sterling claimed the bantamweight title at UFC 259 in March 2021 when Petr Yan was disqualified for an illegal knee, a controversial victory that overshadowed the genuine caliber of fighter Sterling had become. He silenced doubters in the rematch at UFC 273, defeating Yan by split decision to prove his championship legitimacy, then added defenses over TJ Dillashaw and Henry Cejudo before dropping the belt to Sean O’Malley via KO at UFC 292 in August 2023.

Sterling’s tenure as champion coincided with a period of genuine self-improvement and public maturation. He has been outspoken about mental health in combat sports, candid about the psychological toll of the controversial title win, and increasingly respected as a technical grappler whose wrestling-based control makes him one of the hardest fighters in the division to finish. His YouTube presence and willingness to engage openly with fans and critics have made him one of the bantamweight division’s most compelling personalities.

Stats last updated: August 30, 2026