UFC 288 expert picks and best bets for Sterling-Cejudo and Muhammad-Burns - ESPN

Former UFC double-champ Henry Cejudo makes his return to the Octagon this weekend as he takes on reigning bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling in the main event of UFC 288 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey (10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV).

Sterling (22-3), No. 9 on ESPN's pound-for-pound rankings, is riding an eight-fight win streak. He beat TJ Dillashaw by second-round knockout in his last fight. Cejudo (16-2), unranked by ESPN, last fought in the UFC in May 2020.

In the co-main event Gilbert Burns is making a quick turnaround after his victory over Jorge Masdvidal at UFC 287. Burns will face Belal Muhammad in the co-main with a title shot on the line for the winner. Burns is ranked No. 4 in ESPN's divisional rankings while Muhammad is No. 5. Muhammad has not lost a fight since January 2019.

Marc Raimondi spoke to Bang Muay Thai coach Duane Ludwig to get his perspective on the matchups in the main event and co-main event. ESPN's betting experts Reed Kuhn and Ian Parker add their insights and analysis for the main event and other intriguing bets they like on the card.

Editor's note: Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.

How Sterling wins: I was impressed with his wrestling against Dillashaw last year. I mean, Dillashaw had one arm due to his injury, but I was still impressed with Sterling's strength and reach, and his dexterity of remaining strong while still long with the grip. I think he could outwrestle Cejudo. Cejudo's been off for three years. He has been active in training since then, but I think the fire is with Sterling right now. I'm not quite sure about Cejudo, to be honest. Yeah, his wrestling is phenomenal. His striking has looked awesome and he appears to be in shape. But I give the edge