Welcome to The Overtimer’s live coverage for UFC 288: Sterling vs Cejudo. This event marks the long-awaited return of former two-division champion and Olympic gold medalist Henry “Triple C” Cejudo to the Octagon. Cejudo seemingly retired a few years back, but has returned to competition with a vengeance.
Welcoming Cejudo back to the UFC is the reigning bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling. Sterling’s controversial reign over the bantamweight division began with a DQ win over Petr Yan, who Sterling managed to dispatch via decision in the rematch. Sterling added victory over another former champion when he defeated TJ Dillashaw in his latest title defense.
UFC 288 Live Blog
Can Aljamain Sterling maintain his spot at the top of one of the sport’s most competitive divisions, cementing victory over a third former champ in a row?
In the co-main is a clash of elite welterweights, with Belal Muhammad facing off against serious title contender Gilbert Burns. The fight is likely to mark a serious title eliminator for the 170 pound division, with the victor most likely to earn a shot at Leon Edwards. Follow live results below.
Belal Muhammad def. Gilbert Burns via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46).
Burns vs Muhammad R1: both fighters began the fight considerably more cautious than one might expect. Burns attempts a double leg, but Muhammad easily stuffs the takedown. Muhammad enjoys some success with body kicks, controlling the range.
Muhammad ROCKS Burns with a stiff cross in the final minute of the round, before a vicious kick visibly rattles “Durinho” in the closing seconds. The Overtimer scores the round 10-9 Muhammad.
Burns vs Muhammad R2: Burns seems to have recovered from the previous round, and Muhammad continues threatening kicks to the body. Burns seems to be covering up the body with his right hand. Muhammad switching stances and staying light on the feet seems to be keeping Burns at bay until burns lands some very valuable hooks.
Burns’ nose, however, looks a little broken. The Overtimer scores the round 10-9 Muhammad, 20-18 overall.
Burns vs Muhammad R3: Muhammad continues throwing vicious kicks. Muhammad’s high-pressure approach doesn’t seem to be wearing Burns out, but “Durinho” is struggling to mount any explosive offense.
Muhammad chases Burns around the Octagon, keeping Burns out of the pocket with repeated rear kicks. The question heading into the championship rounds is whether or not Belal Muhammad can maintain this level of output.
The Overtimer scores the round 10-9 Muhammad, 30-27 overall.
Burns vs Muhammad R4: Muhammad opens the round with some heavy combinations, but Burns answers with a brutal right hand.
Muhammad continues to press Burns toward the fence but “Durinho” does a good job of circling out.
Burns lands a MASSIVE head kick, but Muhammad appears unfazed. Burns attempts a single leg, but the heavily telegraphed takedown attempt fails. After some striking exchanges, Burns attempts the single leg again. Burns isn’t trying to disguise his takedowns, and it seems like Muhammad has the read on him.
Burns lands a stiff jab late in the round, but Belal Muhammad is clearly controlling this fight. The Overtimer scores the round 10-9 Muhammad, 40-36 overall. Gilbert Burns will need a finish in the final round.
Burns vs Muhammad R5: Burns takes the center of the Octagon and initiates the striking exchanges. He grabs a leg but fails to secure the takedown. Muhammad looks composed, and resumes his high-pressure approach.
Muhammad lands a body kick and continues to control the range, with Burns doing well to circle around and remain in the center of the Octagon. Burns will need to get more active if he wants to finish Muhammad, however.
Burns is far more active in this round than the previous four, initiating the striking exchanges, but it’s clear that Muhammad’s kicks have taken a serious toll on “Durinho.”
The Overtimer scores the round 10-9 Muhammad, 50-45 overall.
Yan Xiaonan def. Jessica Andrade via R1 KO.
Movsar Evloev def. Diego Lopes via unanimous decision. (29-28 x2, 30-27 x1)
Charles Jourdain def. Kron Gracie via unanimous decision. (30-27 x 3)
