Mixed martial arts is no stranger to intense rivalries, dramatic comebacks, and thrilling title fights. The most pressing concern on everyone's mind as UFC 288 approaches are whether the "King of Cringe," Henry Cejudo, can unseat the current bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling, and recover the title he previously had. Following an almost three-year layoff from the Octagon, Cejudo will return to the championship picture in this highly anticipated bout, his first since May 2020.
In this blog, we will discuss the nuances of this epic clash as Sterling and Cejudo prepare to headline UFC 288 on May 6 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Odds
As anticipation builds for this monumental bantamweight battle, sports betting enthusiasts closely monitor the odds for Sterling vs Cejudo. The odds suggest that this fight is almost too close to call, with Sterling being a slight favorite at -120 while Cejudo is a narrow underdog at +100. These odds indicate that the sports betting community is somewhat divided over who will emerge victorious in this high-stakes contest.
Can Cejudo Triumph Over Sterling?
Following a second-round TKO victory against ex-UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw at UFC 280, 33-year-old Sterling successfully defended his title. However, since Dillashaw suffered an injury in the bout, many anticipate an indisputable title defence from Sterling in his upcoming fight. But it won't be easy as Sterling is set to face Cejudo, returning after being out of the Octagon since May 2020.
About three years ago, Cejudo made his MMA retirement official. In his final professional fight, UFC 249, he defeated Dominick Cruz through technical knockout to retain his bantamweight championship. Cejudo has since concentrated on managing his Fight Ready gym and coaching prominent fighters like Jon Jones.
Despite his hiatus, Cejudo has maintained his training regimen and expressed his eagerness to compete again. His wish is about to be fulfilled as he is slated to return to a title fight in just two months.
There is considerable curiosity surrounding Cejudo's ability to perform at the sport's highest level after such an extended break. However, his exceptional record and continued involvement in MMA through coaching have led many to believe he's still a top contender. Cejudo's return to the Octagon will undoubtedly be a highly anticipated event in the MMA world, with fans eager to see "Triple C" back in action.
Sterling has enhanced his fighting style, gaining valuable experience in championship-level bouts. His movement and striking could pose challenges for Cejudo, notably if the latter's performance has declined during his time away.
Ultimately, the match could go either way, as the opening odds indicate. The early betting pick is a driven and determined Henry Cejudo, who is expected to make a triumphant return and aims to defeat Sterling before the third round.
Summary
Fans and analysts are curious about Cejudo’s ability to perform at the highest level after such an extended break. The match could go either way, but early betting predictions favor a determined Cejudo to make a triumphant comeback and defeat Sterling before the third round.
