Aljamain Sterling: UFC bantamweight champion will defend his belt this weekend against former champion Henry Cejudo. The American fighter will look to continue his 9-fight unbeaten streak and keep his belt. So ahead of the UFC 288 main event between Sterling and Cejudo, we look back at Aljamain Sterling’s top five wins in the UFC. Follow UFC 288: Sterling vs Cejudo LIVE Streaming updates with Insidesport.IN.
READ ALSO: UFC 288: In Which Countries Can You Watch Sterling vs Cejudo Live?
Sterling has now become a popular figure in the UFC. This is down to his personality, the nature in which he won the UFC belt and the incredible skill he possesses. ‘Funkmaster’ is equally adept at putting his opponents away on his feet and on the ground. So here’s our list of Aljamain Sterling’s top five finishes.
WATCH: Best Aljamain Sterling Finishes in the UFC
Top 5 finishes of Aljamain Sterling
5. Aljamain Sterling vs TJ Dillashaw
Kicking off our list of Sterling’s most recent bout against TJ Dillashaw. Both fighters came into the bout on the back of some vicious trash-talk. However, Sterling dominated the first round, and against an injured Dillashaw in the second, Sterling got a perfectly timed takedown and landed vicious ground-and-pound, forcing the referee to wave it off.
4. Aljamain Sterling vs Johnny Eduardo
Sterling took on Johnny Eduardo in 2015. After an exciting first round, Sterling continued to put pressure on his opponent in the second. The American showed his superior ground game and landed a perfect takedown. While on the ground, Sterling landed heavy blows. However, amidst all the blows, ‘Funkmaster’ slipped in the most nonchalant guillotine choke. The American made it look effortless.
3. Aljamain Sterling vs Takeya Mizugaki
Third on our list is his victory over Takeya Mizugaki in 2015. The veteran Mizugaki hung in there with Sterling for two rounds. However, in the third, the American upped the anti and submitted Mizugaki. What made this victory special was the fact that Sterling executed an arm-bar from the bottom, which is extremely difficult to do. Therefore, this makes it into our top 3.
2. Aljamain Sterling vs Cory Sandhagen
Runner-up on our list is Sterling’s victory over Cory Sandhagen in 2020. Both fighters came into the bout hoping to stake their claim for the title. Experts tipped Sandhagen to be Sterling’s toughest fight. However, the American showed his class yet again with an incredible rear-naked choke. The fact that Sterling put one of the best in the division to sleep with a choke means this victory makes it second on our list.
1. Aljamain Sterling vs Cody Stamann
Number one on our list and Aljamain Sterling’s best finish, according to us, is his victory over Cody Stamann in 2018. After a close first round, Sterling knew he had a tough fight on his hands. And when he shot for a takedown in the third, Stamann did incredibly well to turn over and make it difficult. However, Sterling’s power was too much for Stamann. Ultimately, Sterling moved swiftly to get his opponent’s back. And while many expected a rear-naked choke, Sterling submitted Stamann with a Suloev Stretch. This is one of the most unique submissions in the UFC. Therefore, it had to be number one.
So there you have it. Our list of Aljamain Sterling’s top five wins in the UFC. Which do you think was the best?
Follow UFC 288: Sterling vs Cejudo LIVE Streaming updates with Insidesport.IN.
