UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling had freshly dispatched one former champion at UFC 280 when he laid the groundwork for another. At the post-fight press conference following Sterling’s demolition of T.J. Dillashaw, Sterling called out Henry Cejudo, who once ruled both the UFC flyweight and bantamweight divisions.
“It all depends on timing. It depends on the offer. Henry is good but these guys don’t understand. There’s literally levels to grappling. It’s not an inside leg trip match and lay in my guard, brother. You’re going to have to work. I take you down, what are you going to do when I take you down?
Sterling Dismisses Cejudo Title Reign
So he can say whatever he wants about the distance, ‘Oh, he leaves himself open,’ when he’s doing his little doodling thing on IG. It’s funny, it’s cute — he’s a smart guy, I’ll give him that, so I won’t bust his chops too much, but he’s dealing with another cerebral fighter. I think it would be a very competitive match where I think my key points where I thrive will definitely over-shine his.
He’s going to need to keep it standing the entire time, and what’s he going to do when I actually get him down to the ground. Like I said, I take you down, I backpack you up, and that’s a wrap.”
Sterling continued, dismissing Cejudo’s title reign. “I’m an MMA fan. Cejudo won the belt against Marlon Moraes, it was vacant. After that he fought Dominick Cruz, who was sitting on a couch and took it on short notice because it was the opportunity of a lifetime.
If we’re being honest here, we are not the same. I fought guys with full training camps, I fought guys with wins and credentialed ability. Yeah, Marlon Moraes might have put me to sleep, but look where he’s at and look where I’m at.
I came back and I showed that I’m still one of the best if not the best guy in this weight class. If Cejudo wants it, Dana [White], what’s up? Hunter [Campbell], what’s up? Let’s talk shop, let’s talk money. Money talks, bulls*** walks, so let’s get it going.”
Cejudo has not fought since retiring in 2020, but continues to threaten a return to the UFC. He reacted on Instagram, appearing on video with a UFC belt draped over one shoulder.
“Well congratulations, Alja-s***-stain. You continue to keep beating my leftovers. Congratulations. I took that dude out in 32 seconds. Anyhow, the baby, my puppy is right here, dude.
Let’s not forget. All you guys are babysitting my belt. All you sorry-ass 135-pounders. There’s one king and his name is Triple C. Sign the contract, ho.”
Whose side are you on? Let us know in the comments.
