Aljamain Sterling Defeats Henry Cejudo in Split Decision, Retains Title

Thrilling Bout Ends in Sterling's Favor

In a highly anticipated bantamweight clash at UFC 288, Aljamain Sterling emerged victorious over former two-weight champion Henry Cejudo in a closely contested split decision. The judges scored the fight 47-48, 48-47, and 48-47 in Sterling's favor.

Sterling's Dominance in the Grappling Exchanges

Sterling showcased his grappling prowess throughout the fight, securing multiple takedowns and controlling Cejudo on the ground. He came close to submitting Cejudo with a rear-naked choke in the second round, but Cejudo managed to escape. Sterling's ability to neutralize Cejudo's wrestling and scrambling skills proved crucial in his victory.

Cejudo's Striking Edge

Despite Sterling's grappling dominance, Cejudo demonstrated superior striking throughout the fight. He connected with clean shots from range, including jabs, leg kicks, and uppercuts. Cejudo's striking accuracy and power kept Sterling at bay, but it was not enough to overcome Sterling's grappling advantage.

Post-Fight Callouts and What's Next

Following his victory, Sterling called out Sean O'Malley, the rising bantamweight star. O'Malley is undefeated in his UFC career and has been teasing a potential title fight against Sterling. Meanwhile, Cejudo hinted at a potential return to the octagon, but remained non-committal about his future plans.