UFC 288 LIVE: Cejudo vs Sterling updates and results

Re-live updates as Cejudo returned to challenge Sterling after three years away

Former UFC champion shows off broken tooth after bare-knuckle match

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

• Aljamain Sterling retained bantamweight belt with split decision over Henry Cejudo
• Cejudo emerged from retirement to compete at UFC 288, with future now unclear
• Sean O’Malley is next for Sterling and squared off with champion on Saturday
• Belal Muhammad outpointed injured Gilbert Burns in co-main event
• Muhammad will likely challenge for welterweight title next time out

[7 May 2023 05:35 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 288 LIVE - Sterling vs Cejudo

Cejudo (16-2) has never claimed to be the greatest flyweight of all time, nor the greatest bantamweight ever, but by beating Johnson and Cruz, he earned wins over the fighters to whom most fans assign those tags. He had also forged his own: the greatest ‘combat athlete’ of all time.

That status looks set to remain intact for the foreseeable future, and with it secured, Cejudo turned his focus to building a family. In his absence, the flyweight title picture has been dominated by an enthralling rivalry between Brandon Moreno and Deiveson Figueiredo, who have passed the title back and forth numerous times, but Sterling has ushered in greater stability atop the bantamweight ladder.

[7 May 2023 05:35 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 288 LIVE - Sterling vs Cejudo

Cejudo crept slowly into the conversation around the UFC’s most-accomplished athletes, edging past flyweight ‘GOAT’ Demetrious Johnson on points before retaining the title against then-bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw with a quickfire TKO, and going on to claim the belt that Dillashaw vacated with an impressive, comeback stoppage of Marlon Moraes. Almost suddenly, the American had become one of just four dual-weight champions in UFC history, adding those gold belts to the Olympic gold medal that the wrestler won in 2008.

Cejudo soon relinquished the flyweight title, then in his first defence of the bantamweight strap, he was a step ahead of Cruz in most exchanges before stopping his fellow American late in Round 2. Moments later, Cejudo vacated that title, too, and announced his retirement from MMA.

Henry Cejudo after winning his second UFC title, the bantamweight belt (Getty Images)

[7 May 2023 05:34 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 288 LIVE - Sterling vs Cejudo

Belal Muhammad (left) consoles Gilbert Burns after outpointing the injured Brazilian (Getty Images)

[7 May 2023 05:32 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 288 LIVE - Sterling vs Cejudo

When Henry Cejudo steps into the Octagon, it will be almost three years to the day since he last did so.

On 9 May 2020, Cejudo was the reigning UFC bantamweight champion, defending his title against Dominick Cruz – one of the best of all time, but running the risk of ring rust after three years away.

Tonight, Cejudo will play Cruz’s role: that of an all-time great returning from an extended absence, bidding to reclaim the gold he once held. In the UFC 288 main event, it will be Aljamain Sterling playing Cejudo’s role: the in-form champion, looking to turn a great into a ghost for good.

Aljamain Sterling (left) and Henry Cejudo (Getty Images)

[7 May 2023 05:29 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 288 LIVE - Sterling vs Cejudo

Next up, it’s the main event: Aljamain Sterling defends the bantamweight title against a returning Henry Cejudo.

Want to know how each man got to this event? Read our fight preview here:

[7 May 2023 05:24 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 288 LIVE - Gilbert Burns vs Belal Muhammad

Belal Muhammad def. Gilbert Burns via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46).

[7 May 2023 05:22 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 288 LIVE - Gilbert Burns vs Belal Muhammad

A frustrating 25 minutes for Burns, but a fine showing from Muhammad.

Boos on the buzzer. The scorecards await.

[7 May 2023 05:19 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 288 LIVE - Gilbert Burns vs Belal Muhammad

Round 5

Muhammad has thrown approximately 100 more strikes than Burns.

[7 May 2023 05:15 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 288 LIVE - Gilbert Burns vs Belal Muhammad

Round 4

A sharp right cross gets through for Burns! And another!

Muhammad seems unfazed, however, and Burns is clearly in pain from this injury.

[7 May 2023 05:13 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 288 LIVE - Gilbert Burns vs Belal Muhammad

Round 4

It seems that Burns’s left shoulder may be injured. “I can’t throw my left hand for nothing,” he says to his corner.

Another body kick by Muhammad. And more. Lovely switch kick to the head by Burns, though it’s partially blocked.