Sterling Retains Title With Razor Thin Decision Over The Returning Cejudo
In front of the sold out crowd at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, Aljamain Sterling has retained his bantamweight title over the former two division champion Henry Cejudo.
HERE. WE. GO.
Our #UFC288 main event starts NOW 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0VAT4wYgfA
— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023
Despite being out of the octagon since 2019, Cejudo looked to be in great shape, and was able to make it a very competitive match by using his crisp striking and extremely high level wrestling. Unfortunately for him, this was not enough to dethrone 135-pound king Aljamain Sterling.
Sterling’s ability to keep the fight on the outside and out strike Cejudo over the course of their five round championship bout certainly proved to be the defining factor that lead to his narrow victory. Additionally, Sterling was even able to score multiple takedowns of his own, which is quite impressive considering prior to this fight, Cejudo had only been taken down once in his time with the UFC.
We’re headed to Championship Rounds!! 🏆
Who’s winning on your scorecard? #UFC288 pic.twitter.com/pLf8daJxSp
— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023
Even though Cejudo put forth an outstanding effort in the fifth round by moving forward with strikes and securing a dominant takedown in the last minute, it was not enough to make up for the action that Sterling dictated for the majority of the fight.
We go the distance!
Who’s taking the decision on your scorecard?? #UFC288 pic.twitter.com/NUF6K8zmVr
— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023
Following the match, Sean O’Malley was brought into the cage as it appears that he will be the next one to challenge Sterling for bantamweight gold. Dana White says that he is planning to make this fight happen at UFC 292 in August, which is set to take place in Boston.
SEAN O’MALLEY ENTERS THE OCTAGON TO CALL OUT STERLING 😦#UFC288 pic.twitter.com/6WREFjS9cc
— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023
Official Result: Aljamain Sterling Def. Henry Cejudo via Decision (Split) – 48-47, 48-47, 48-47