UFC 288 Results: Aljamain Sterling Vs. Henry Cejudo Full Fight & Winner

On Saturday, the main event of UFC 288 will feature Henry Cejudo, a former two-division champion who is returning from a three-year retirement, facing off against the bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling.

This fight presents an opportunity for Cejudo to reclaim the title that he relinquished when he retired, and also provides Sterling with the chance to solidify his position as the top fighter in the 135-pound division.



Aljamain Sterling vs. Henry Cejudo takes place on May 6, 2023, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

UFC 288: Aljamain Sterling Vs. Henry Cejudo Full Fight & Highlights

ROUND 1: In the opening moments of the bout, Aljo swiftly emerges from his corner and launches a head kick, only to be evaded by Cejudo. Despite failing to land any significant strikes yet, Aljo applies immense pressure on his opponent. Cejudo, on the other hand, takes a more cautious approach, trying to feel things out.



Aljo's length advantage is evident, and he capitalizes on it with his impressive activity. However, he becomes overzealous and overswings, providing Cejudo with an opportunity to take him down, which he does with remarkable speed and precision.

On the ground, Aljo works his butterfly guard and attempts to sweep with an overhook, but Cejudo's heavy top pressure makes it difficult for him to execute. Aljo rolls up, and Cejudo quickly transitions into a front headlock, applying pressure and testing Aljo's patience. Despite this, Aljo remains calm and eventually stands up.

Cejudo lands a solid leg kick, prompting Aljo to become more aggressive. Aljo retaliates with a powerful body kick, followed by a right hand from Cejudo that catches the kick, but Aljo manages to escape. Cejudo then initiates a clinch, but Aljo successfully defends against the fence. Aljo attempts a level change, but Cejudo stuffs it and jumps on a front headlock. Aljo tries to switch with a peak out, but Cejudo denies him. Aljo manages to secure a single-leg takedown and holds Cejudo against the fence.



Aljo succeeds in passing Cejudo's guard and lands a vicious knee to the body, forcing Cejudo to his feet. However, he is unable to break Aljo's grip, and Aljo sneaks to his back. Despite the short time remaining in the round, Cejudo stays vigilant, fighting off Aljo's attempts to submit him.

ROUND 2: Cejudo started the round with a good rhythm, but Aljo finished the previous round strongly, utilizing his length and size to his advantage. It remains to be seen if Cejudo will attempt more wrestling in this round, and if both fighters can maintain this high pace.

Cejudo initiates the action with a low kick, but he's struggling to find his range against Aljo's kicking game. While Cejudo seems content to wait for openings, he lands a significant counter right and follows up with a low kick. Meanwhile, Aljo is landing some piercing jabs, steadily building up his offense.

Cejudo throws a body kick, and Aljo responds with a left. Cejudo misses a head kick by a hair, and Aljo attempts a risky elbow strike, which proves fruitless. Cejudo throws another head kick, which leads to a brief clinch that ends quickly.

Cejudo is increasingly relying on his kicks, and Aljo gamely trades with him, though Cejudo's kicks seem to pack a bit more power. While Cejudo's punches appear to be superior, Aljo shows some impressive footwork, using it to create angles and avoid Cejudo's counters. Aljo lands a wild shot, which Cejudo easily defends.

Cejudo begins feinting more frequently, which opens up opportunities for his right hand. Aljo counters effectively, but Cejudo remains aggressive despite being off-rhythm. Cejudo's frequent switching of stances is preventing Aljo from landing multiple strikes, but he's also getting caught in-between transitions.

Cejudo connects with a high kick on a ducking Aljo, who manages to absorb it well. As Cejudo finds his range with his boxing, Aljo gives ground and jabs to the body, but eats a counter combo. A brief clinch ensues, which quickly breaks up. Cejudo lands a clean right hand, and both fighters collide in a scramble just before the horn sounds.

ROUND 3: Cejudo's corner implores him to "Burn the Ships," urging him to elevate his game. It seems like a smart move, as Cejudo is really turning up the pressure now. He's got Aljo backed up, and a jumping knee narrowly misses but a right hand might have landed! Aljo quickly drops for a double leg takedown, but Sterling smashes it down and they return to standing. Aljo then connects with a looping right and a low kick.

Aljo attempts another reactive double, but Cejudo manages to stuff it and then lands a knee to the body. Aljo shoots again, this time grabbing the underhook and pushing Cejudo towards the fence. The two engage in clinch grappling, with both fighters jockeying for position. Aljo eventually muscles Cejudo down to the ground, and now he's working towards taking Cejudo's back.

Cejudo manages to stand up, but Aljo remains sticky on him and stays engaged in the clinch. Despite Cejudo's attempts to break free, Aljo keeps him pinned against the fence. Eventually, Cejudo manages to escape and the two fighters return to striking range.

But Aljo shoots again, with Cejudo managing to stuff the takedown and attempt to spin to Aljo's back. However, Aljo seizes the opportunity to grab a leg and attacks Cejudo's neck. It's a risky move, given Cejudo's Olympic gold medal in wrestling. Cejudo stands up, and Aljo manages to make his way back to his feet. The fighters exchange kicks, with Aljo landing a body lock and knees to Cejudo's midsection. Cejudo manages to land an inside trip, but it's too late in the round for any significant follow-up.

ROUND 4: Aljo replies with a solid body kick. As the live odds suggest, the fight remains a toss-up, with both fighters evenly matched.

Despite Cejudo's valiant efforts, Sterling's activity level is impressive, as he continues to outwork Cejudo. The Olympian lands a stepping right hand, but is unable to capitalize on it due to his struggles with range. However, he does score a big knee when Aljo ducks in. Cejudo ups the pressure and Aljo remains steadfast, maintaining his distance while continuing to throw kicks.

Cejudo manages to pin Aljo to the fence and secure a clinch. He attempts a takedown, but Aljo manages to keep his feet and evade the takedown. After breaking the clinch, Cejudo applies more pressure, but Aljo counters with a crisp jab and a powerful calf kick.

Cejudo makes another attempt at the clinch and eats a knee from Aljo, but manages to break free. Aljo's kickboxing skills continue to give him the upper hand, with his jab and calf kicks landing effectively. As the round progresses, Cejudo's pace begins to slow down, allowing Aljo to catch him with an awkward right hand. Cejudo attempts to take advantage of a lazy kick, but Aljo escapes the takedown attempt.

Aljo lands a knee and Cejudo finds himself in yet another front headlock. Despite his efforts to escape, Aljo manages to secure a takedown against the fence, with Cejudo giving up his back to stand up. Aljo lands a combination as the round ends, cementing his dominance in the fight.

ROUND 5: As the final round commences, Cejudo's corner imparts the crucial message that he needs a finish to secure the victory, which Sterling's corner validates by warning him of Cejudo's imminent onslaught. Both fighters appear rejuvenated, with Sterling visibly energized as he initiates the action. Cejudo responds with aggressive pressure, but Sterling is too nimble, firing off quick and effective kicks. Cejudo attempts to deceive Sterling with feints and lands a body kick, but Sterling remains evasive.

Sterling lands a spinning back kick that momentarily drives Cejudo back, but the latter responds with a powerful right hand. However, Sterling appears to be playing it safe by not engaging in any risky maneuvers. Cejudo starts to gain momentum with a left hand and a right hand after a single-leg attempt, followed by a low kick, finding his rhythm in the process. Sterling, on the other hand, recklessly consents to boxing range and employs a stepping elbow. In a clinch, Cejudo inflicts a pair of impactful knees before the referee separates them.

Cejudo keeps up the pressure, attempting a head kick that barely grazes Sterling before trapping him in a clinch again. With just a minute left, Cejudo executes a snatch single, sending Sterling across the cage and securing the takedown. Sterling rises up but Cejudo clings on with a rear waistlock. The fight concludes with Sterling twisting free as the bell rings, closing out an intense and hard-fought battle.

UFC 288: Aljamain Sterling Vs. Henry Cejudo Fight Winner

WINNER: Aljamain Sterling via Decision (split) (47–48, 48–47, 48–47)

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