It’s champ vs. former champ in the main event of UFC 288.
Henry Cejudo returns after 3 years away in a quest to reclaim his UFC Bantamweight title against the current champ Aljamain Sterling. The massive title fight takes place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Round 1:
Sterling misses a big headkick. Sterling sets a fast pace, pressing forward against Cejudo. They enter the clinch as Cejudo takes down Sterling with ease. Cejudo controls Sterling on the ground for around a minute before both men go back to work on the feet. Cejudo clinches up with Sterling once more as Sterling goes for a takedown which is denied by Cejudo.
Sterling finally takes down Cejudo after some time in the clinch but Cejudo quickly gets back up. Sterling grabs another takedown of Cejudo, getting the back of Cejudo. They trade strikes to close out the round.
CDS: 10-9 Sterling
Round 2:
Sterling lands a quick leg kick and Cejudo returns with a kick of his own. Sterling eats a partially landed headkick from Cejudo. Sterling chops the leg of Cejudo with another leg kick. Sterling shoots for a takedown but doesn’t get it this time around. Sterling jabs to the body. Sterling continues with his leg kick attack before throwing a spinning elbow. Cejudo lands a headkick on the champ. They exchange leg kicks. The round ends with a scramble on the ground with Cejudo finishing on top.
CDS: 10-9 Sterling
Round 3:
Sterling fires a body kick. Cejudo returns with the same strike. Cejudo throws a flying knee and Sterling shoots for a takedown which Cejudo sprawls. They go back to their feet. Cejudo denies another takedown from Sterling. The champ seeks yet another takedown against the cage but Cejudo stuffs it and they fight for control in the clinch. Sterling gets Cejudo down to the ground but just barely.
Cejudo gets back up only to have Sterling control him in the clinch. They separate. Cejudo sprawls on a takedown attempt from Sterling. Cejudo puts pressure on the neck of Sterling. Sterling gets back up. The fighters trade knees in the clinch. Cejudo grabs a great takedown to end the round.
CDS: 10-9 Cejudo
Round 4:
Sterling lands a series of leg kicks. Sterling continues to chop at them. It wouldn’t be one-way traffic though as Cejudo lands some leg kicks of his own. Cejudo clinches up with Sterling against the cage. They separate. Cejudo stuffs another takedown attempt from Sterling. Sterling lands a nice jab. They work in the clinch again, they separate. Cejudo lands a body kick.
Cejudo topples Sterling who shot for a takedown. Sterling finally finds a takedown on Cejudo to close the round.
CDS: 10-9 Sterling
Round 5:
Sterling lands a body kick. Cejudo attacks the body with a punch and follows it up with a kick. Cejudo clips Sterling with a left hand. Cejudo pieces up Sterling with a combo. Sterling shoots for a takedown but is denied entry by Cejudo. Cejudo throws knees. Cejudo fires a leg kick before taking down Sterling and seizing the back of the champ. Sterling gets back up to his feet but Cejudo controls him in the clinch.
CDS: 10-9 Cejudo (total score: 48-47 Sterling)
Official result: Aljamain Sterling defeats Henry Cejudo by split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)
Check out the highlights below:
HERE. WE. GO.
Our #UFC288 main event starts NOW 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0VAT4wYgfA
— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023
Big close to the first round for @FunkMasterMMA 👊 #UFC288 pic.twitter.com/1TxHvVgLKm
— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023
We're headed to Championship Rounds!! 🏆
Who's winning on your scorecard? #UFC288 pic.twitter.com/pLf8daJxSp
— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023
This flexibility from Cejudo 😬 #UFC288 pic.twitter.com/AyvoRNEHvi
— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023
This defence from Cejudo is wild 😨 #UFC288 pic.twitter.com/PPgxwUmeqj
— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023
We go the distance!
Who's taking the decision on your scorecard?? #UFC288 pic.twitter.com/NUF6K8zmVr
— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023
#ANDSTILL BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD!!@FunkMasterMMA with the split decision over Henry Cejudo at #UFC288! pic.twitter.com/nUrECCcwtT
— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023
Aljamain Sterling's got something to say!! 🗣 #UFC288 pic.twitter.com/2NrOskSz0P
— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023
SEAN O'MALLEY ENTERS THE OCTAGON TO CALL OUT STERLING 😦#UFC288 pic.twitter.com/6WREFjS9cc
— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023
Merab put on O'Malley's jacket 😭 #UFC288 pic.twitter.com/1dH5inwJWz
— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023
The champ calls his shot!@FunkMasterMMA says it's September for a fight with @SugaSeanMMA 👀 #UFC288 pic.twitter.com/YugnJ4aZy7
— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023
Henry Cejudo reacts to the decision in our #UFC288 main event pic.twitter.com/09Dc90lbww
— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023