Former two-division champion Henry Cejudo made a comeback inside the UFC octagon after three long years as he took on bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling in the main event of UFC 288. However, Triple C’s return to the promotion didn’t go as per his plans as Aljo edged past him via a split decision.
It was a highly competitive matchup as both bantamweights were making constant adjustments in an attempt to gain a small advantage. In the end, it was Funkmaster who got the better of Cejudo as he used his size advantage to his benefit and out-landed the former champion significantly.
#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
As expected striking proved to be the decisive factor in this fight. Because both bantamweights showed great takedown defense and had similar ground control times. It is needless to say that this defeat is a big blow to Henry Cejudo as he aimed to win the bantamweight championship and thereafter challenge Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight belt.
This loss raised several doubts about Triple C’s future as he didn’t intend to stay in the promotion for a long time. While speaking in the post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Henry Cejudo reacted to the split-decision loss and confessed that he is unsure about what’s next for him.
Henry Cejudo reacts to the decision in our #UFC288 main event pic.twitter.com/09Dc90lbww
— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023
“He’s tougher than what I thought. He’s a gamer. It’s been a few years but no excuses. My coaches told me that I won. Maybe 2,4 and 5. It was close but Aljamain did his job, he got the victory. It’s also been three years. I’m a little confused right now. I think we go back and think about it. If I’m not first, I’m last. Who knows this may be the last time you see me in the octagon.”
What’s next for Henry Cejudo after his loss to Aljamain Sterling at UFC 288?
Henry Cejudo has hinted at retirement in his post-fight speech as he was extremely confident that he would beat Aljamain Sterling. However, it’s not the end of the world for him as a win over a high-ranked opponent in either bantamweight or featherweight division would help him earn a title shot.
If he decides to move up to the 145-pound division, a matchup against Max Holloway is great as it will help him earn credibility as well as money. Staying in the bantamweight division doesn’t make any sense as there are a lot of fighters who are in line for a title shot.
