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 - Khaos Williams vs Rolando Bedoya
Khaos Williams def. Rolando Bedoya via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28).
Bedoya wins all three rounds on one judge’s scorecard, but he comes up short overall!
UFC 288 LIVE - Khaos Williams vs Rolando Bedoya
Round 3
We’ll go to the judges’ scorecards.
UFC 288 LIVE - Khaos Williams vs Rolando Bedoya
Round 3
This fight is tough to score; Bedoya might have edged the first two rounds, or it could be 19-19, or Williams may be ahead! Indy Sport is leaning towards the second scenario.
Hard low kick by Williams early in this final round. He then slings Bedoya against the fence, but the Peruvian gets free again.
One-two upstairs by Bedoya, then a knee to the body.
UFC 288 LIVE - Khaos Williams vs Rolando Bedoya
Round 2
The striking exchanges are so back and forth. Bedoya just about lands a head kick.
Bedoya is making his UFC debut here and entered with an 11-fight win streak.
UFC 288 LIVE - Khaos Williams vs Rolando Bedoya
Round 2
Bedoya, with ex-UFC star Diego Lima in his corner, coninues to switch stances.
He’s caught with a left hook after landing a leg kick. UFC light-heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill is in Williams’ corner.
UFC 288 LIVE - Khaos Williams vs Rolando Bedoya
Round 1
Bedoya lands a spinning back kick to the body in a frenzied exchange!
A fun first round is in the books.
UFC 288 LIVE - Khaos Williams vs Rolando Bedoya
Round 1
More clean strikes from Bedoya, but he eats a grazing right hand from Williams, too.
Bedoya is southpaw again, and once more he’s caught on the end of a right hand.
Williams briefly grapples Bedoya against the fence once more, before landing a knee to the body as the fighters separate.
UFC 288 LIVE - Khaos Williams vs Rolando Bedoya
Round 1
Bedoya with a couple of early low kicks from southpaw, before he’s backed up by a flurry of punches to the head.
Now Williams kicks low. Bedoya with a counter left hook, and he then switches to orthodox.
Bedoya tags Williams with a couple of sharp jabs, and Williams opts to grab ahold of his opponent and force him to the fence.
Bedoya soon breaks free, however.
UFC 288 LIVE - Khaos Williams vs Rolando Bedoya
Bedoya is fighting out of LIma, Peru. Meanwhile, Williams fights out of Michigan.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments