“Funkmaster” has a plan to stay an active champion in 2023.
Aljamain Sterling spoiled Henry Cejudo’s return to active competition at UFC 288 last night (Sat., May 6, 2023) inside Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., earning a super close split decision win (see official scorecard here). With the victory, Sterling broke three records: most Bantamweight title defenses (three), most wins in UFC Bantamweight division history (14), and longest win streak in UFC Bantamweight division history (nine).
Sterling did not have much time to enjoy his record-breaking title win as his next fight was set up on the broadcast when Sean O’Malley entered the cage to face off.
With that monster fight now looming, the question is ... when?
During UFC 288’s post-fight press conference (watch here), “Funkmaster” answered that question.
“I’m just looking toward the future, keeping my body healthy the best I can to stay consistent. I would like to fight in September, then fight again in December,” Sterling told reporters. “People think I just want to sit on the sidelines. I only get paid when I fight! So, guys, I don’t want to sit on the sidelines. I want to be active.”
With UFC holding its September events in Las Vegas, Nevada, it makes too much sense for Sterling and O’Malley to headline because “Suga” has fought in “Sin City” in all but one of his UFC career fights, and Sterling lives in Las Vegas part-time.
O’Malley has been on the sidelines since his split decision win over Petr Yan at UFC 280 and will be out of action for almost one full year.
For complete UFC 288 results, coverage and highlights click HERE.
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