UFC 288 LIVE: Cejudo vs Sterling updates and results
Re-live updates as Cejudo returned to challenge Sterling after three years away
Aljamain Sterling retained the UFC bantamweight title against Henry Cejudo at UFC 288, as the latter failed to regain the belt after three years away.
Cejudo retired from MMA in 2020, moments after retaining the title, which he previously held alongside the flyweight belt. Sterling, 33, went on to win the gold in 2021 and retained it twice thereafter, and the Jamaican-American put it on the line again in the main event of UFC 288.
American Cejudo, an Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, emerged from retirement in an attempt to reclaim the bantamweight strap, and a future shot at the featherweight title was also on the 36-year-old’s radar.
However, Cejudo fell at the first hurdle, losing a split decision to Sterling after five competitive rounds in New Jersey.
Re-live updates below. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos.
UFC 288 LIVE
Virna Jandiroba def. Marina Rodriguez via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).
Two of those scorecards feel a bit kind towards Rodriguez.
That’s a huge win for ninth-ranked Jandiroba, meanwhile, as she beats No 5 in the division.
UFC 288 LIVE
Rodriguez vs Jandiroba – Round 3
Rodriguez is able to keep this round standing longer than the first two, but she’s still being pressured by Jandiroba.
Eventually, Jandiroba is able to do what she did in the first two frames, taking down Rodriguez and tying up her legs.
It’s another clear round for Jandiroba, and all we await now is the official decision.
UFC 288 LIVE
Rodriguez vs Jandiroba – Round 2
Jandiroba with fierce elbows to end another impressive round for her.
Rodriguez needs something big in Round 3...
UFC 288 LIVE
Rodriguez vs Jandiroba – Round 2
Jandiroba shoots for a single-leg takedown with Rodriguez near the fence.
It’s Rodriguez who ends up on top, though, before Jandiroba tries for a leg lock in response.
Now Jandiroba is able to get on top and tie up both legs, as she did in Round 1.
UFC 288 LIVE
Rodriguez vs Jandiroba – Round 1
Jandiroba lets go of the hold but is able to follow up with heavy strikes in close.
Now Jandiroba gets back to grappling her fellow Brazilian, and that’s how a dominant round ends for the No 9 strawweight.
UFC 288 LIVE
Rodriguez vs Jandiroba – Round 1
Jandiroba is able to take the back, and she has one hook in – her left leg.
Rodriguez twists, and Jandiroba is into half-guard, firing off punches to the body.
Now Jandiroba targets the head of Rodriguez with more punches and an elbow.
She’s looking for a Kimura lock now...
UFC 288 LIVE
Rodriguez vs Jandiroba – Round 1
Jandiroba shoots for a takedown early, driving Rodriguez to the fence and getting her to the mat.
Jandiroba has her compatriot’s legs tied up and is looking to advance the position without giving up control.
She’s struggling, however, and the crowd is booing right now...
UFC 288 LIVE
The regular prelims begin with a women’s strawweight bout between Marina Rodriguez and Virna Jandiroba.
Rodriguez is ranked fifth in the division, while Jandiroba is No 9.
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