UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling retained his bantamweight title by defeating Henry Cejudo in a split decision victory at UFC 288 in New Jersey.
Sterling, who used his length advantage and active striking to outmatch his opponent throughout five rounds, was able to fend off Cejudo’s grappling skills.
This marked Cejudo’s return to the octagon after retiring in 2020, and he hinted at a possible second retirement following his defeat.
Despite the majority of fans cheering for Cejudo, Sterling’s superior striking and grappling skills secured him the victory, earning him his ninth successive win and a record third bantamweight title defence.
In the co-main event, Belal Muhammad defeated Gilbert Burns by unanimous decision in a welterweight title eliminator.
Muhammad’s takedown defence and consistent use of left-body kicks and stance-switching proved to be too much for Burns, who appeared to be hampered by an injury to his left arm.
Muhammad extended his unbeaten streak to 10 and positioned himself as a potential challenger to the winner of a proposed welterweight title fight between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington.
