Sterling defends UFC bantamweight belt with split-decision victory over Cejudo

UFC 288: Post-Fight Press Conference

Aljamain “Funk Master” Sterling successfully defended his UFC bantamweight title through a split decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47) against Henry “Triple C “Cejudo At UFC 288 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

The match was closely contested, with the judges scoring the rounds 3-2. Mike Bell favored Cejudo, awarding him Rounds 2, 3 and 5, resulting in a 48-47 score. However, judges Derek Cleary and Eric Colon disagreed. Cleary gave Sterling Rounds 1, 4, and 5, while Colon awarded him Rounds 1, 2 and 4.

Sterling spoke highly of his defeated adversary, acknowledging his intelligence and the intricate nature of their battle inside the octagon. He believed that many people might not fully grasp the complexity of the situation.

He said both fighters continuously adapted to each other’s strategies, turning the match into “a high-level, physical chess match.”

Sterling’s record

Sterling’s record improves to 23-3 following this victory, marking his incredible nine-fight winning streak. Among his triumphs are wins over past champions like TJ “Lieutenant Dan” Dillashaw and Petr “No Mercy” Yan, in addition to Cejudo. Sterling also secured a first-round submission victory over Cory Sandhagen, who currently holds the No. 3 bantamweight division’s rank.

After an absence of nearly three years, Cejudo, a 2008 Olympic wrestling gold medalist and former champion in both the flyweight and bantamweight divisions, returned to the octagon. He entered the fight on a six-fight winning streak that dates back to 2016.

Cejudo is set for retirement, but Sterling still has challenges ahead. UFC president Dana White has confirmed that Sterling will be squaring off against Sean “Sugar” O’Malley, who currently holds the No. 2 ranking, on August 17 in Boston.

After his win over Cejudo, Sterling called out O’Malley, who entered the cage in response. Tensions flared during their confrontation, nearly escalating into a physical altercation.