UFC 288 results: Aljamain Sterling retains Bantamweight title, beats Henry Cejudo

UFC 288 saw much-anticipated return of Henry Cejudo back into UFC circuit after three years. former champ-champ faced Aljamain Sterling for UFC Bantamweight title and could t complete a successful return. Aside from headliner Sterling vs Cejudo fight card was filled with high-octane MMA action. Here's complete result card.

As it has often been spoken that re are levels to this game, and statement was highlighted at UFC 288. Henry Cejudo, who was out of circuit for years made his way back and showed holder challenge he was missing up until w. In first round itself, it was made clear that both men would seek to out-grapple each or. Both registered takedowns apiece in first 5 minutes. Following explosive start, both fighters turned on cautious switch in 2nd round and kept ir distance. Sterling was evidently quicker during exchanges, but Cejudo was equal to it disseminating mess that he's still same fighter that he was, before he shocked everyone by anuncing retirement. A similar intensity was showcased in Round 3, and halfway in round, Sterling got into a perfect position to explore submission stances but Triple C's defense kept Aljo at bay, at end of round Cejudo, delivered ar successful takedown. intensity dimmed in fourth round as both men were feeling effects of engaging first 15 minutes. defensive approach from both sides continued in 5th and final round. After 5 rounds, it was Aljamain Sterling, who was adjudged winner via split decision. 

UFC 288 Results

Main Card

• Aljamain Sterling (c) vs. Henry Cejudo. Result: Aljamain Sterling beats Henry Cejudo via split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47)
• Belal Muhammad vs. Gilbert Burns. Result: Belal Muhammad defeats Gilbert Burns (50–45, 49–46, 49–46) by Unanimous Decision, Round 5, 5:00
• Jessica Andrade vs. Yan Xiaonan. Result: Yan Xiaonan defeats Jessica Andrade via Technical Kck Out (punches), Round 1, 2:20
• Movsar Evloev vs Diego Lopes. Result:  Movsar Evloev defeats Diego Lopes (29–28, 29–28, 30–27) by Unanimous Decision.
• Kron Gracie vs. Charles Jourdain. Result: Charles Jourdain defeats Kon Gracie (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) by Unanimous Decision

Preliminary Card

• Lightweight Bout: Drew Dober vs. Matt Frevola. Result: Matt Frevola def. Drew Dober - TKO (punches), Round 1: 4:08
• Light Heavyweight Bout: Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Devin Clark. Result: Kennedy Nzechukwu def. Devin Clark - Technical Submission (guillotine choke), Round: 2 - 2:28
• Welterweight Bout: Khaos Williams vs. Rolando Bedoya. Result: Khaos Williams def. Rolando Bedoya - Decision (split) (27–30, 29–28, 29–28), Round: 3 - 5:00
• Women's Strawweight Bout: Marina Rodriguez vs. Virna Jandiroba. Result: Virna Jandiroba def. Marina Rodriguez - Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 30–27), Round: 3 - 5:00

Early Preliminary Card

• Heavyweight Bout: Braxton Smith vs. Parker Porter. Result: Parker Porter def. Braxton Smith - TKO (punches), Round: 1 - 2:10
• Middleweight Bout: Phil Hawes vs. Ikram Aliskerov. Result:  Ikram Aliskerov def. Phil Hawes - KO (punches), Round: 1 - 2:10
• Middleweight Bout: Joseph Holmes vs. Claudio Ribeiro. Result:  Claudio Ribeiro def. Joseph Holmes - TKO (punches) - Round: 2 - 3:21