The highly anticipated matchup between Aljamain Sterling and Henry Cejudo for the bantamweight championship at UFC 288 on May 6 has now been officially announced by Dana White. At the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, “Funk Master” will face off against the former two-division champion to defend his title. In UFC 280, Sterling defeated former champion T.J. Dillashaw by knockout in the second round. Although the “Funk Master” was successful in retaining his title, many people were disappointed in Dillashaw’s performance because of his injuries. But as he welcomes “Triple C” back to the octagon, the 33-year-old New Yorker will now face a difficult test.
Cejudo is regarded as one of the best fighters to ever enter the ring, therefore it is not shocking to see him competing in a championship match after three years away from the ring. After his final championship defence against Dominick Cruz at UFC 248, Triple C’ announced his retirement; nevertheless, he will soon make his eagerly awaited return to action.
Other thrilling battles that will take place in around two months were also confirmed by Dana White. In the co-main event, Beneil Dariush, who has an eight-fight winning streak, will square off against former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira.
Jonathan Pearce and Bryce Mitchell will fight in a featherweight matchup elsewhere on the night. After losing to Cub Swanson in October 2019, Kron Gracie will fight again against Charles Jourdain.
UFC 288: When Aljamain Sterling and Henry Cejudo clashed backstage at UFC 285
Aljamain Sterling, the bantamweight champion, and Henry Cejudo, the title challenger, have no love lost. Since their bout was planned, the two men have traded insults, and their verbal conflict has been worse since Sterling’s injuries forced a postponement of their initial UFC 287 date.
The two met into one other backstage at UFC 285 and things became heated. Both combatants were present at the event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and they were seen verbally sparring before security intervened to keep them apart.
In a clip that ESPN MMA posted, Henry Cejudo is heard saying:
On May 6, at UFC 288, Aljamain Sterling and Henry Cejudo will get the opportunity to walk the walk when they face off in the octagon.
After to his huge but contentious decision win over Petr Yan, Sean O’Malley is presently ranked No. 1 in the division. If the chance arises, “Sugar” will be expected to step in and compete for the crown.
