UFC Champion Aljamain Sterling Shares His Passion Project with Fox 5’s Ryan and Christal
When most people think of MMA fighters, they imagine intense training sessions, strict diets, and unwavering discipline. But for UFC champion Aljamain “Funkmaster” Sterling, there’s another side to the story—one that involves crafting premium Jamaican rum and celebrating his heritage in every bottle.
Sterling recently appeared on Fox 5 New York’s “Good Night New York” with hosts Ryan and Christal to introduce viewers to Funk Harbor Rum, his passion project that’s been years in the making. What started as a conversation about his legendary MMA career quickly turned into an engaging discussion about culture, family, and finding balance through entrepreneurship.
Watch the full interview here.
From the Octagon to the Distillery
Ryan and Christal were eager to hear about Sterling’s grueling workout routine and his impressive career in mixed martial arts. But Sterling had something else he wanted to share—his little reward after those intense training sessions: a carefully crafted glass of Funk Harbor Rum.
“After a hard workout, this is my treat,” Sterling explained to the hosts as they sampled the award-winning spirit. “I wanted to create something that honored my roots while giving me something to look forward to outside the gym.”
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name “Funk Harbor” isn’t just clever branding—it’s deeply personal. Sterling broke down the significance for Ryan and Christal, explaining how “funk” is woven into Jamaican culture, embodying the island’s vibrant energy and rich musical heritage. It’s also a nod to his fighting nickname, “Funkmaster,” which has become synonymous with his dynamic style in the octagon.
The “Harbor” portion of the name pays tribute to his family’s roots in Dry Harbour, Jamaica, connecting the spirit to the place where his story began. By fusing these elements together, Funk Harbor Rum became more than just a product—it became a bridge between his past and present.
A Labor of Love
What makes Funk Harbor truly special is the level of personal investment Sterling has poured into every aspect of the brand. Unlike many celebrity spirits that simply license a name, Sterling funded the entire operation from the ground up.
“This is my baby,” Sterling told the hosts with evident pride. “I was there for every tasting, every decision. I wanted to create something I could be genuinely proud of, something that represented quality and authenticity.”
His hands-on approach extended to the development process, where he personally participated in countless tastings to perfect the flavor profile. For Sterling, Funk Harbor represents more than a business venture—it’s a tangible expression of his Jamaican heritage and his commitment to excellence outside the fighting world.
Beyond the Fight Game
Sterling opened up about his motivation to build something beyond his MMA career. While fighting will always be part of his identity, he wanted to create a legacy that would outlast his time in the octagon.
“I love fighting, but I also love rum,” Sterling shared with a smile. “I wanted to do something different, something that would challenge me in new ways and give me another avenue to express myself.”
What’s Next: White Rum Launch
The excitement on set was palpable when Sterling announced that Funk Harbor would be launching a new white rum in January 2025. Ryan and Christal’s enthusiastic response to the aged dark rum had viewers already anticipating what the distillery would deliver next.
The white rum promises to bring the same level of quality and authenticity that earned Funk Harbor Aged Dark Rum the Gold Medal and “Best Dark/Gold Rum” designation at the 2025 WSWA Tasting Competition.
A Toast to Heritage and Hard Work
As the segment wrapped, Ryan and Christal raised their glasses alongside Sterling, celebrating not just the rum itself, but the story behind it—a story of cultural pride, entrepreneurial spirit, and the determination to build something meaningful beyond the spotlight of professional sports.
Funk Harbor Rum proves that champions aren’t just made in the octagon. Sometimes, they’re crafted one batch at a time, with passion, heritage, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
About Funk Harbor Distilling
Funk Harbor Distilling is a Jamaican craft distillery founded by UFC champion Aljamain Sterling. The distillery produces exceptional small-batch rums that honor Caribbean tradition while embracing innovation. For more information, Connect with Funk Harbor Rum.
- Website: https://funkharborspirits.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funkharborrum
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/funkharborrum