UFC 288: Aljamain Sterling retains title with split decision win over Henry Cejudo as star hints at retirement

ALJAMAIN STERLING ensured Henry Cejudo endured a miserable return to the octagon as he retained his bantamweight title at UFC 288.

The 36-year-old challenger, who is one of just four dual-weight champions in UFC history, retired from MMA in 2020 after he had successfully defended the belt against Dominick Cruz.

But the Olympic wrestling gold medallist came out of retirement in an attempt to try and regain the strap on Saturday night after a three-year absence.

However, Sterling, 33, ensured he remained top of the mountain and set-up a showdown against rising star Sean O’Malley with a split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47) triumph.

Cejudo’s wrestling skills were on full display and he defended several takedown attempts in the main event in New Jersey as well as taking down the Jamaican-American himself.

But submission specialist Sterling’s grappling talents were also superb and it was he who produced the cleaner strikes through the five round clash.

The title holder’s performance proved to be enough for a third-straight successful defence after his decision win over Petr Yan and the TKO victory against TJ Dillashaw in 2022.

After his hand was raised, Sterling then faced off with rival O’Malley inside the cage.

The two went nose-to-nose before security were forced to intervene and separate the pair.

He is now due to defend his belt against “Suga Sean” later this year.

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Cejudo revealed he was a “little confused” about his future following the setback as he hinted at retirement again.

He said: “I hate losing but it's also been three years.

“Who knows, this may be the last time in the octagon.”

Meanwhile, Belal Muhammad outpointed Gilbert Burns in the co-main event to set up a welterweight title shot.

American Muhammad beat the Brazilian on all three of the judges’ scorecards (50-45, 49-46, 49-46).

He is now unbeaten in his past 10 fights at 170 pounds and instantly called out champ Leon Edwards and his next challenger Colby Covington.

Muhammad told Joe Rogan afterwards: “My first thoughts are… New Jersey, you suck! 

“My second thought, Leon and Colby. I’m coming for both of you guys.”