The much-awaited UFC 288 event featured reigning bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling, and the returning Henry Cejudo. Fight enthusiasts hoped that this face-off would end the age-old debate about the best 135-pound fighter in the world. Cejudo, a former UFC bantamweight and flyweight champion, had won his last fight against Dominick Cruz at UFC 249 in May 2020 before announcing his retirement from the sport.

In contrast, Sterling, who was on the verge of setting several UFC records, welcomed him back to the octagon. In the end, Sterling won the game and secured his title defense. Several fighters took to social media to express their reactions to the fight and Sterling’s victory, including the notorious Conor McGregor, who won an easy bet since Sterling was unscathed after the match.

Other fighters who fought earlier in the night and spectators showered praises on Sterling, while Joe Giannetti thought that the decision was questionable, and Megan Anderson expressed her admiration for Cejudo’s opponent. Some fighters joked about Merab “Houdini” Dvalishvili’s lightning-quick jacket-switching skills after his victory.

Overall, the fight was a tough and competitive one with several close calls. Nevertheless, Sterling managed to maintain his composure and come out on top, further cementing his position as a great bantamweight fighter.