Aljamain Sterling nationality: Why does UFC bantamweight champion represent Jamaica?

Aljamain Sterling will face former flyweight and bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo at UFC 288. It is likely to be the toughest challenge of Sterling’s career. Sterling had an unusual title victory and defends as a champion. Aljamain Sterling won the UFC bantamweight title via disqualification. Petr Yan hit the “Funkmaster” with an illegal knee during their fight at UFC 259. Sterling could not compete after the knee, and Yan was stripped of the title.

After the questionable win, many fans discredited Sterling’s champion status. However, Aljamain Sterling proved everyone wrong after winning over Yan at UFC 273. Since his last fight with Yan, Sterling defended the title against T.J. Dillashaw at UFC 280. He next faces Cejudo at UFC 288. However, most fans get confused about Sterling’s nationality as he comes out with a Jamaican flag. What is Aljamain Sterling’s nationality?

Related: Aljamain Sterling vs Henry Cejudo: How much size advantage does ‘Funkmaster’ have over ‘Triple C’

UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling’s nationality

Aljamain Sterling is an American mixed martial artist. Born on July 31, 1989, in New York, Sterling grew up with seven full and 12 half-siblings. Some of his brothers joined gangs and were involved in crime. In an interview, he talked about the difficulty he faced during his childhood. However, Sterling started wrestling at Uniondale High School to avoid the same fate as his siblings. He went on to become a two-time NCAA Division 3 Wrestling All-American.

Aljamain Sterling started his amateur MMA career in 2009 and compiled a record of six wins and one loss. Prior to joining UFC, Sterling reigned as a four-time bantamweight champion at the CFFC. UFC came calling after his impressive performances in the regional circuit. Sterling made his UFC debut in 2014 with a victory over Cody Gibson.

After a difficult journey, he became the bantamweight champion in his 15th UFC fight. Sterling has a Black Belt in BJJ under former UFC welterweight champion Matt Serra. He trains at the Serra-Longo gym in Long Island, New York. The gym also features No. 1 contender Merab Dvalishvili. Sterling and Merab have trained together for many years and insist on not fighting each other because of their friendship.

Why Does Aljamain Sterling represent Jamaica in UFC?

Aljamain Sterling’s parents, Cleveland and Sophia Sterling, are Jamaican-born. Naturally, Sterling has a Jamaican heritage and is proud of his roots. Hence, despite being born in America, Funkmaster has often been seen representing Jamaica. He said, “Obviously, I rep Jamaica. I’m a first-generation born Jamaican-American. My parents are born and raised in Jamaica, my grandparents are born and raised in Jamaica, my other family still lives in Jamaica, and I still go back there.”

The bantamweight champion carried the Jamaican flag into the octagon multiple times. However, he is not the only fighter representing Jamaica. Leon Edwards also represents Jamaica. The English welterweight champion also has a Jamaican heritage. However, in Leon’s case, he was born in Jamaica and moved to the United Kingdom when he was nine. Sterling will again look to raise the Jamaican flag in victory when he faces Cejudo at UFC 288.

In case you missed it:

• Henry Cejudo nickname: Why is the UFC legend called ‘Triple C’?
• Conor McGregor parents: Does the UFC superstar come from a wealthy background?

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW