UFC 288 LIVE: Cejudo vs Sterling updates and results

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.

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.

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.

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:

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

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

Boos on the buzzer. The scorecards await.

Round 5

Muhammad has thrown approximately 100 more strikes than Burns.

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.

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.