Aljamain Sterling has met every conceivable expectation thus far.
The 33-year-old Uniondale, New York, native currently sits atop the Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight division—the seventh man to achieve the distinction. A two-time NCAA All-American wrestler who trains under striking guru Ray Longo and former welterweight titleholder Matt Serra, Sterling has compiled a 13-3 record across 16 appearances since he joined the UFC roster as a highly regarded prospect in 2014. He will carry a seven-fight winning streak into his title defense opposite T.J. Dillashaw in the UFC 280 co-main event on Oct.