Aljamain Sterling defeats Henry Cejudo to retain UFC Bantamweight Championship, faces off with Sean O'Malley

Aljamain Sterling retained his UFC Bantamweight Championship with a split decision victory over the legendary Henry Cejudo.

In Triple C’s first fight in three years looking to recapture the UFC Bantamweight Championship that he had vacated.

It was a rivalry that initially seemed respectful but soon turned feisty throughout the week as the two continued to clash.

Sterling was keen to prove that he wasn’t a pushover like Cejudo had claimed, and Triple C was intent on ticking the champion off his hitlist on his way to potential fights with Sean O’Malley and Henry Cejudo.

#ANDSTILL BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD!!@FunkMasterMMA with the split decision over Henry Cejudo at #UFC288! pic.twitter.com/nUrECCcwtT

— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023

The former Olympian showcased what he’s best at early in the fight by securing an impressive takedown on his opponent, but Sterling fired back with one of his own later in round one.

The champion landed a strong punch to finish off the round.

Round two was an incredibly tight affair with both landing heavy shots but neither fighter was showing signs of pain.

The former double champion secured an important takedown late into the third round which looked likely to have secured him the points for that round.

The championship rounds reflected much of the fight, with both fighters struggling for position.

It was a tight championship fight as we headed into the judges’ decision with no clear winner in the eyes of many.

The judges’ scores reflected how close it was with Sterling securing the victory by split decision.

Fireworks truly went off after the fight as the retaining champion turned his attention to the next challenger - Sean O’Malley.

Sugar Sean hopped into the Octagon and things got fiery as the pair exchanged words.

SEAN O'MALLEY ENTERS THE OCTAGON TO CALL OUT STERLING 😦#UFC288 pic.twitter.com/6WREFjS9cc

— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023

At one point O’Malley looked to get into it with Sterling’s teammate Merab Dvalishvili after the Georgian put on Sugar’s red jacket.

The two teams had to be separated by security as things looked close to boiling over.

Merab put on O'Malley's jacket 😭 #UFC288 pic.twitter.com/1dH5inwJWz

— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023

It was an incredibly tight fight between Cejudo and Sterling but it looks as though we already have our next Bantamweight Championship fight on the cards.

After the fight, Cejudo hinted at retirement but admitted he would need to talk to Dana White and his family first.