ESPN.com · May 7, 2023
Sterling conquers Cejudo, exchanges postfight words with O'Malley
NEWARK, N.J. -- Aljamain Sterling won his title fight and then another almost broke out in the Octagon.
Sterling defeated Henry Cejudo via split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47) in the main event of UFC 288 on Saturday night here at Prudential Center. With the very close win, Sterling retained his UFC bantamweight title.
After the fight, the UFC brought Sterling's next challenger, the popular Sean O'Malley, into the Octagon. Sterling and O'Malley started jawing at each other on the microphone, which was being held by interviewer Joe Rogan. O'Malley told Sterling that he fought like "s---" and "better fight better than that" if he's going to beat him.