Aljamain Sterling, the reigning UFC Bantamweight Champion, has once again proven his dominance in the octagon at UFC 288, with a win against Henry Cejudo. With an impressive record and multiple title defenses under his belt, Sterling has solidified his position as one of the top fighters in the division.
Big left from Aljo to close the round š #UFC288 pic.twitter.com/q3aNfY2UUr
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) May 7, 2023
The road to gold for Aljamain Sterling
Sterling’s rise to the top of the bantamweight division has been nothing short of remarkable. With a professional record of 23 wins and only 3 losses, Sterling has consistently demonstrated his prowess in the octagon. His grappling skills, striking accuracy, and relentless work ethic have earned him the respect of both fans and fellow fighters alike.
Sterling’s journey to the championship began with a hard-fought victory over Cory Sandhagen at UFC 250. This win earned him the opportunity to challenge then-champion Petr Yan for the bantamweight title. In a controversial fight at UFC 259, Sterling was crowned the new champion. Sterling clinched the title as Yan was disqualified for an illegal knee strike. Despite the unusual circumstances surrounding his title win, Sterling was determined to prove himself as a deserving champion.
The title defenses that earned Sterling the Cejudo bout
In his first title defense, Sterling faced off against Yan in a rematch at UFC 273. In a closely contested battle, Sterling showcased his striking and grappling skills, ultimately securing a split decision victory. On his second defense, Sterling squared off against TJ Dilashaw at UFC 280. āThe Funk Masterā knocked Dilashaw out to retain his title on that occasion. This win solidified Sterling’s status as the undisputed bantamweight champion and set the stage for his next title defense against another former champion, Henry Cejudo.
UFC 288 saw Sterling take on the highly skilled and experienced Henry Cejudo. Cejudo, a former Olympic gold medalist in wrestling and two-division UFC champion, was expected to pose a significant challenge for Sterling. However, the champion rose to the occasion, putting on a masterful performance that showcased his well-rounded skill set.
Grandest title defense of all for Sterling?
Throughout the fight, the 1989-born MMA fighter utilized his striking and grappling abilities to keep Cejudo at bay. His relentless pace and pressure eventually wore down the challenger, allowing Sterling to control the fight and dictate the pace. After five grueling rounds, the judges awarded Sterling a unanimous decision victory, marking his second successful title defense.
Sterling’s victory over Henry Cejudo at UFC 288 further solidified his position as one of the best fighters in the bantamweight division. With two successful title defenses under his belt, Sterling has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with and a worthy champion.
As Sterling continues to defend his title and build his legacy, fans can expect more exciting fights and memorable moments from this talented fighter. With his impressive record, undeniable skill, and unwavering determination, Sterling has all the makings of a true champion. The bantamweight division continues to evolve. And Sterling is ready to be at the forefront. The champion is ready to take on all challengers and continue his reign as the undisputed king of the bantamweights.
