UFC 288: Prudential Center; Newark, New Jersey
In the history of the UFC there has been a plethora of great fighters at 135. But maybe Aljamain Sterling is as good as he says he is. After defeating “Triple C” Henry Cejudo and possibly sending him back into retirement, he continues to do things others haven’t. The 33-year old Long Islander has more title defenses in the division than anyone at three. And is riding a nine-fight win streak. Although, looking at things honestly and bluntly, Cejudo was the first true big name now on Sterling’s resume. Even though it comes post a three-year layoff.
But one has to wonder now how much longer before Aljamain Sterling heads up to 145. His walk-around weight actually puts him a lot closer to lightweight than bantamweight. And his length at 135 would be an advantage up a division as well. If he’s now going to be a fighter that constantly switches stances, it’ll be another feather in his cap. It definitely bothered Cejudo.
But first, there’s at least one more challenge where he is in Sean OMalley. And for Sterling’s size, “Suga” is actually bigger. As well as faster, with a little more pop. But Sterling’s grappling and self-belief truly is next level. He had to work hard to get his four takedowns from Cejudo. And thanks to a low leg kick attack it softened up Cejudo. Although the returning former two-division champion did have some moments in the octagon, the champion was never in serious trouble.
Maybe Aljamain Sterling Is Better Than We All Think… But Only One Way To Prove It
Although Cejudo is called Captain Cringe, Sterling still draws the ire of fans being booed all the time. We’ve seen in MMA time and again one teammate passing a division off to another. So, the O’Malley fight should be the last for him, setting up two things.
The title shot for Merab Dvalishvili, and stamping his own legacy at featherweight. And there is someone that could welcome him there that might be able to solve the Sterling riddle. Max Holloway has the fire-power that Sterling has never seen. And there is not a single UFC fan that wouldn’t love to see that fight either.
Although he out significantly struck Cejudo 110-63, Holloway can land that much in just three-rounds. While Holloway’s takedown defense isn’t in the same park as Cejudo, Holloway just doesn’t get caught in bad situations to tap out.
It’s what you call the proto-typical striker versus grappler. And a successful run at 145 might be the only way to get the fans off him.
For all sports news, check out: Belly Up Sports. And for all things CYCLONE, head to: Facebook.
