Aljamain Sterling: Net Worth 2023, Record, Salary, and Endorsements

What is Aljamain Sterling’s Net Worth 2023?

The current UFC Bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling, is undoubtedly one of the most noted figures of the promotion. The 'Funk Master' often enthralls crowds with his super funky celebrations after winning bouts. Currently standing as the Bantamweight champion of the promotion, there is no doubt that the UFC pays Sterling quite well. As of 2023, the Jamaican-rooted Sterling boasts a net worth of about $2M.

Like every other UFC fighter, Sterling also receives his salary per fight. Also, it might vary from one fight to another. Reportedly, 'Funk Master' bagged a whopping $230,000 as the base salary for his UFC 275 fight against the Russian, Petr Yan. While Sterling had also revealed that his total income from that bout stood at around $400,000.

Aljamain Sterling’s early life and education

A lot of UFC fans might already know that Sterling carries Jamaican roots. He was born on 31 July 1989 in Uniondale, New York. His father's name is Cleveland Sterling, while his mother is named Sophia Sterling. Aljamain spent his childhood along with his seven siblings. Although some of his brothers joined gangs, Sterling took up wrestling in the year 2004 while he was a student at Uniondale High School.

He continued to wrestle while he joined Morrisville State College later. But it was a meeting with the current UFC Heavyweight champion, Jon Jones, which got Sterling hooked on MMA. After his initial year, Sterling joined the State University of New York at Cortland and went on to become a two-time NCAA Division III All-American with a record of 87–27. He also secured his bachelor's degree in physical education from the same institution.

His unusual yet effective wrestling style earned him his nickname, 'Funk Master'.

Aljamain Sterling’s Career

Early Career

Aljamain Sterling transitioned to MMA after he was once invited by 'Bones' to try it out at 'The BombSquad gym' in Ithaca, New York. Sterling probably got so much into it that he decided it chose it as his career option. 'The 33-year-old' started off his amateur MMA career in the year 2009. He also ramped up 6 wins with just one defeat in his entire amateur MMA career.

'Funk Master' also started his professional MMA career with a bang as he achieved two straight victories in his first two bouts. He was also awarded a Bantamweight title shot at the 'Ring of Combat 36'. Sterling won the bout via a split decision to claim the ROC Bantamweight championship. However, it also proved to be Sterling's final bout for the promotion.

Following that, 'the 33-year-old' joined 'Cage Fury Fighting Championships' where he repeated his previous feat. Sterling's first-round TKO victory over Evan Chmieleski right at his CFFC debut earned him a shot at the vacant Bantamweight championship of the promotion. 'The Jamaican-American' defeated his opponent Sean Santella via a unanimous decision to claim the CFFC Bantamweight championship to his name as well. He also defended his title on three occasions post this win. Every time it was a rear-naked choke by Sterling that finished off his opponents. 'Funk Master' then made his way into the UFC with an undefeated 8-0 professional record.

UFC

Sterling made his UFC debut against Cody Gibson. He started with a bang and won the bout via a unanimous decision. 'Funk Master' was always a decent bantamweight. The pivotal matchup of his career was a bout against Marlon Moraes. Aljamain Sterling vs Marlon Moraes ended in a devastating KO loss for Sterling in just 67 seconds.

After this loss, Sterling stacked a four-fight win streak and beat Cory Sandhagen at UFC 250 in a virtual title eliminator bout. 'Funk Master' got a quick finish as he ended proceedings via first-round submission (RNC) in just 88 seconds. He won his first 'Performance of the Night' award for this fight.

UFC Bantamweight Championship

Aljamain Sterling fought Petr Yan for the UFC Bantamweight championship on March 6, 2021, at UFC 259. 'Funk Master' won the title as the referee disqualified the champion for not abiding by the rules (illegal knee strike to a downed/grounded opponent). He became the first UFC fighter to claim the belt via a disqualification.

Sterling took on 'No Mercy' once again in his first title defense bout at UFC 273. Despite putting quite some resistance, Yan's efforts fell short to earn him a victory as Sterling was declared the winner via a split decision.

Sterling also took on the famed former UFC Bantamweight kingpin, T.J. Dillashaw, at UFC 280 for his next title defense. But, Dillashaw dislocated his shoulder in the first round of the bout, which made things comparatively easier for Sterling. He brought Dillashaw to the canvas after a few strong strikes and ended the bout with some brutal ground and pound in the second round itself.

Sterling faced former UFC champ-champ, Henry Cejudo at UFC 288 and came out with a win via split decision. 'Funk Master' solidified his position as a bantamweight legend after defeating 'Triple C'.

Aljamain Sterling’s Record

After boasting an amateur MMA record of 6-1 and staying undefeated for the first 12 professional fights of his career, Sterling currently holds a record of 23-3 in the sport of MMA. Sterling was subjected to all three of his career losses in the UFC. Hence, his current UFC record stands at an impressive 15-3.

Aljamain Sterling’s Championships and Accomplishments

Ultimate Fighting Championship

• UFC Bantamweight Championship (One time, current)

• Two successful title defenses

• Performance of the Night (One time) vs. Cory Sandhagen


• Tied (T.J. Dillashaw) for most wins in UFC Bantamweight division history (13)


• Tied (Merab Dvalishvili) for the longest win streak in UFC Bantamweight division history (8)

Cage Fury Fighting Championships

• CFFC Bantamweight Championship (One time)

• Three successful title defenses

Ring of Combat

• ROC Bantamweight Championship (One time)

MMAJunkie.com

• 2018 Submission of the Year vs. Cody Stamann


• 2020 June Submission of the Month vs. Cory Sandhagen

Cageside Press

• 2020 "Submission of the Year" vs. Cory Sandhagen, tied with Khabib Nurmagomedov and A.J. McKee

World MMA Awards

• 2022 Comeback of the Year

Aljamain Sterling’s Wife and Children

The UFC Bantamweight kingpin has been in a romantic relationship with an America-based beauty and fitness specialist named Rebecca Cruz. Reports also suggest that the couple has been together for more than a decade now. 'Aljo’s' girlfriend Cruz also operates ‘NYX Professional Makeup’ which is a cosmetics business house.

However, despite having quite some information about how long they have been together. There’s no information available in the public domain about how Sterling met Cruz. The couple also got engaged in January 2021.

However, despite Sterling tweeting about getting married to Cruz soon, there has been no further news regarding this issue. Also, the couple currently don't have any kids together.

Aljamain Sterling’s Foundation and Charity

'Funk Master' had a foundation named Fighters for Cerebral Palsy. It was a non-profit organization that helped children with Cerebral Palsy and other special needs. Aljamain Sterling, after becoming the UFC bantamweight champion, returned to his home state to help the local wrestlers with their future proceedings.

Aljamain Sterling: Endorsements

Sterling's UFC champion status attracts various companies to tie up their name with him. Hence, as per his official website and social handles, he has teamed up with companies like BodyArmor, Draftkings, P3. Also, some of his sponsors include Everlast, Trojan, Findlay Toyota, and Speedy Bear.