During his two-year reign as UFC bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling has faced endless waves of criticism. However, the 33-year-old New York native has grown immune to these attacks, having effectively accepted his vilified role. Former two-division champion, Henry Cejudo, has been one of the loudest voices in the past years.

Following his retirement, Cejudo took an aggressive stance on social media, openly criticizing fighters and their performances, including Sterling’s. However, Sterling is now set to face Cejudo in the UFC 288 main event, and he’s excited about the prospect of putting the former champion back in his place.

Cejudo, who left the bantamweight division before Sterling’s rise, is stepping back into the octagon after a three-year hiatus, and Sterling sees himself as the perfect measuring stick to see where he stands. Sterling has already expressed his confidence, saying that he will take down Cejudo three or four times during their fight.

Sterling also hopes to expose Cejudo’s possible ring rust and the challenges that come with fighting him after being out of commission for so long. Regardless of how talkative Cejudo may be leading up to the fight, Sterling remains resolute in responding to him with his fists, hoping to silence Cejudo once and for all.