- Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling found himself on the receiving end of a rear-naked choke during the filming of a Russian MMA reality show, leading to his temporary unconsciousness.
- The incident occurred during a break on the set of ALF Global Reality, a Russian TUF series modeled after The Ultimate Fighter, where Sterling was brought in as a guest coach.
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“That guy is known for sneaking up on people and choking them out, which is ridiculous, but Aljo gets his payback later on in the show.”
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Zalimkhan Yusupov: The Journeyman Who Caught a Former Cham
While participating in the Russian reality series Alf Reality, Sterling was reportedly choked unconscious by Zalimkhan Yusupov, a Georgian fighter known for his unorthodox antics.
The altercation occurred unexpectedly, with Yusupov applying a rear-naked choke that rendered Sterling unconscious. The incident was captured on video and quickly disseminated across various platforms.
Sterling was standing on a grassy patch outside, surrounded by cast members and crew, when contestant Zalimkhan Yusupov crept up behind him and locked in a rear-naked choke. Sterling didn’t have time to defend. Within seconds, he was unconscious. People on set rushed in to intervene after realizing what had happened.
Sterling had stepped in to coach on the show after his teammate Merab Dvalishvili pulled out due to sponsorship issues. The show also features Petr Yan as the opposing coach, adding extra tension given Yan’s contentious two-fight history with Sterling inside the UFC.
What the Video Shows—and Doesn’t
The moment was captured on video and circulated online almost immediately. The clip shows Yusupov applying the choke, Sterling dropping limp, and a small crowd reacting in delayed shock. It quickly gained millions of views and ignited a wave of discussion across MMA circles.
Sterling addressed the situation briefly on social media, responding to online criticism with a one-liner:
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“Lol wait till you see what I did after you bum ass.”
– Aljamain Sterling
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That’s the only comment he’s made publicly so far.
There has been no formal response from the show’s producers or organizers. No disciplinary action against Yusupov has been announced either. Sterling hasn’t indicated that he plans to leave the show or take legal action, but it’s unclear if the footage will actually air as part of the program.
Sterling, known for his elite grappling, has never been submitted in professional MMA competition. Seeing him rendered unconscious—outside of a fight, without warning, and in front of cameras—was shocking even for long-time fans.
Aljamain Sterling appears to get choked out on The Russian Ultimate Fighter
Such a bum fr @funkmasterMMA pic.twitter.com/9w8ZGFfjkU
— UFC Fifth Round (@UFCFIFTHROUND) April 2, 2025
Former Champ, BJJ Black Belt, Octagon Veteran
Aljamain Sterling is far from an average name in MMA. The Long Island native holds a professional record of 23 wins and 4 losses, with notable victories over top contenders like Petr Yan, Cory Sandhagen, and TJ Dillashaw.
Sterling won the UFC bantamweight title in 2021 via disqualification in his first bout with Yan, then cemented his legitimacy by beating Yan again by split decision in their rematch.
Known for his grappling-heavy style, Sterling holds a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Matt Serra and Ray Longo. He’s earned six submission wins in the UFC and was long regarded as one of the most dominant grapplers in the 135-pound division. He defended his bantamweight belt three times before losing it to Sean O’Malley in August 2023.
The UFC champion later announced plans to move up to the featherweight division, citing the grueling weight cuts as a major factor. While he hasn’t fought at 145 pounds yet, the transition marks a new chapter in an already-decorated MMA career.
His recent appearance on the Russian reality series was expected to keep his profile high between fights—but instead, it added a very different kind of highlight to his resume.
The Clip Lives On. So Does the Show
For now, the footage lives on, and the show continues production. Whether anything more comes of the incident—an apology, a rematch, or a response from Yan—remains to be seen.
But in a sport where everything is recorded and nothing is forgotten, Aljamain Sterling getting choked unconscious on a Russian reality show is going to be a headline he’ll wear for a while.
Runner Kills Mountain Lion With A Rear Naked Choke In Colorado
