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 - Movsar Evloev vs Diego Lopes
Evloev enters this one unbeaten, while Lopes is making his UFC debut as a short-notice replacement for Mitchell.
UFC 288 LIVE - Movsar Evloev vs Diego Lopes
Next up is a featherweight clash between Movsar Evloev and Diego Lopes, with the latter replacing Bryce Mitchell.
UFC 288 LIVE - Kron Gracie vs Charles Jourdain
Charles Jourdain def. Kron Gracie via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
UFC 288 LIVE - Kron Gracie vs Charles Jourdain
We await the judges’ scorecards, though they’ll surely score this fight in Jourdain’s favour.
UFC 288 LIVE - Kron Gracie vs Charles Jourdain
Round 3
Lots of volume from Jourdain, who is putting together slick combinations.
Another beautiful knee to the body by Jourdain, before Gracie pulls guard again – to the sound of boos.
Gracie is throwing a lot of elbows from below. Eventually, however, Jourdain breaks free of the Brazilian’s grip and climbs to his feet.
UFC 288 LIVE - Kron Gracie vs Charles Jourdain
Round 2
Again Jourdain is able to stand. He lands a knee to the body, and a nice elbow to the head at close range, before Gracie gets him down late in the round.
UFC 288 LIVE - Kron Gracie vs Charles Jourdain
Round 2
Gracie pulls guard again, but Jourdain stays on his feet; Gracie is hanging off the Canadian!
Eventually Jourdain hits the mat, and he’s in Gracie’s full guard, firing off elbows – taking more risks this time.
Now Gracie lands elbows of his own, while intermittently trying to isolate Jourdain’s right arm.
UFC 288 LIVE - Kron Gracie vs Charles Jourdain
Round 1
Jourdain, also a jiu-jitsu black belt, is able to stand and escape!
Gracie follows him up and ties up Jourdain against the fence.
Once again. Jourdain separates from his opponent and looks to land punches.
UFC 288 LIVE - Kron Gracie vs Charles Jourdain
Round 1
Another uppercut is on point for Jourdain. He tags Gracie with a counter right hook as the Brazilian kicks low.
Gracie is able to close range and pull guard, dragging Jourdain to the mat!
Jourdain wisely keeps his arms and legs tucked in, trying to prevent Gracie from isolating any limbs.
Gracie is looking for a triangle choke, though...
UFC 288 LIVE - Kron Gracie vs Charles Jourdain
Round 1
Gracie stands southpaw. A right cross and jab get through his guard.
More straight shots and an uppercut land for Jourdain, who is showing off his speed early on.
Gracie inches him back to the fence, however, and initiates the first grappling exchange of the fight.
Jourdain is able to fight free, before throwing Gracie off him when the Brazilian tries to grab him again.
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