Aljamain Sterling retains title at UFC 288, defeat may force Henry Cejudo's definitive retirement

Aljamain Sterling retained his bantamweight title at UFC 288 as he defeated Henry Cejudo. Before the fight there was plenty of belief that Cejudo, a former two-division champion, might have emerged victorious, and the match-up ebbed and flowed over the course of five rounds. Ad The judges scored the fight reflecting the tough, exacting nature, with two scoring it 48-47 for Sterling, and the other believing it was 48-47 for the challenger.

UFCAllen's winning run ended by Holloway at UFC Fight Night in Kansas City16/04/2023 AT 08:53 “Hats off to Henry Cejudo,” Sterling said after the fight. “I wasn’t sure which way the decision was going to go. I thought I had it 3-2.

I wish I could have done a little bit better. Henry’s a f****** dog. He’s a legend.” With the fight in the balance with two rounds remaining, Cejudo attempted to push the fight in his favour, striking well, but Sterling was happy to exchange blows with a strong straight punch, and an effective kick towards the calf that started to take its toll.

After the result, Cejudo’s disappointment was palpable, and he admitted he may step away from the fight game for good after three years out with his first retirement. Allen's winning run ended by Holloway at UFC Fight Night in Kansas City Adesanya defeats Pereira at UFC 287 to reclaim middleweight title belt “He’s tougher than what I thought,” Cejudo said. “He’s a gamer.

It’s been a few years but no excuses. “It was close but Aljamain did his job, he got the victory. I think we go back and think about it.