UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling and Henry Cejudo were at each other’s throats when they crossed paths backstage at UFC 285. The altercation was the culmination of the tensions that have escalated recently between them. Both the fighters, scheduled to exchange gloves with each other at UFC 288, have developed heated animosity. While the 135 lbs champion, who recovers from injury woes, remains determined to take the fight to ‘Triple C’. However, ‘Funk Master’ recently expressed skepticism over their May 8 fight at the Prudential Center in New Jersey. Further, he had a special message for the backup fighter, Sean O’Malley.
Notably, the Uniondale native last defended his title against T.J. Dillashaw at UFC 280. Since then, the murmurs of him defending the UFC gold against the former two-division champion gained traction. The rumors initially surfaced when the former Olympic gold medalist reentered the USADA pool in April last year. Eyeing a comeback after announcing his retirement in 2020, ‘The Messenger’ will endeavor to reclaim the title he relinquished almost 3 years back. However, the current title holder is doubtful of the materialization of the fight.
Aljamain Sterling expresses his doubts ahead of the UFC 288 clash
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The 33-year-old expressed the same in response to the next in line for the title shot, Sean O’Malley. ‘Sugar’ will presume the backup fighter duties as he would step in, in case either fighter drops out.
Therefore, expressing his excitement, the #1 ranked bantamweight tweeted, “Can’t wait for May 6th”
In response, the Serra-Longo Fight Team’s product appealed to him to be ready as his apprehension grew over the former champion.
Thus, he wrote, “Facts! The tu*d isn’t making up his mind. Be ready my guy. This is the fight the fans really wanted to see anyway.”
Facts! The turd isn’t making up his mind. Be ready my guy. This is the fight the fans really wanted to see anyway. https://t.co/NiyySrxK5E
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) March 7, 2023
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While the fight is yet to be proclaimed, the clouds of uncertainty have already engulfed it.
The UFC recently announced the 288 PPV as the promotion head back to New Jersey after a stretch of 2 years. In addition, the mouth-watering lightweight fight between Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush will adorn the fight card.
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What do you think of these statements by UFC champion Aljamain Sterling? Do you believe the scheduled fight between the two would materialize? Let us know in the comments below.
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