Aljamain Sterling Ready to Be a Bantamweight Contender Following First UFC Stoppage

Aljamain Sterling showed more of his skills in his sophomore UFC outing. | Keith Mills/Sherdog.com

The 24-year-old finished Hugo Viana via elbows and punches from the top position late in the third round of his tilt at UFC Fight Night "Cerrone vs. Miller" following an impressive striking and grappling performance in the first two frames.

The win comes on the heels of Sterling’s Zuffa debut at UFC 170, a unanimous decision victory against Cody Gibson.

The Serra-Longo Fight Team member was ecstatic with his performance against his Brazilian foe.

“It felt awesome. My first fight in here I didn't really feel like I showed what I can really do,” Sterling said in a post-fight interview. “I have a lot more in the tool bag. I believe in my team; we have a strong team pushing us.”

While Sterling was able to put his game plan in motion, the former Cage Fury Fighting Championships bantamweight titleholder praised the performance of his opponent and put the rest of the 135-pound division on notice.

“Honestly, I put a lot of pressure on myself to come out here and really try to do great things. [Take] nothing away from Viana though, he’s tough as nails,” Sterling said. “I was definitely in here trying to show everyone that I’m here. I am ready and going to be a contender for sure.”