3. Henry Cejudo at UFC 288
At UFC 288, Aljamain Sterling retained his bantamweight title with a hard-fought split-decision victory over Henry Cejudo in a high-level grappling and striking showcase. Sterling started aggressively, securing takedowns and controlling Cejudo on the mat, but Cejudo's resilience and counter-wrestling shone through. The rounds were closely contested, with Sterling’s striking volume and grappling transitions edging pivotal moments, while Cejudo’s pressure and late-round rallies kept him competitive. In the fifth, Cejudo surged but fell short of securing a decisive finish. Ultimately, the judges scored it 48-47, 48-47, and 47-48 in Sterling’s favor, marking another successful title defense in a tactical and thrilling bout.
2. Petr Yan at UFC 273 (Rematch)
At UFC 273, Aljamain Sterling retained his bantamweight title, defeating Petr Yan via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47) in a closely contested bout. Sterling began strong with effective body kicks and positional dominance, notably in Rounds 2 and 3, where he secured Yan’s back and controlled with a body triangle while delivering strikes and threatening submissions. Yan rebounded in Rounds 4 and 5, using striking combinations and forward pressure to counter Sterling’s takedown attempts and gain top control in key exchanges. Ultimately, Sterling’s early dominance and grappling control earned him the victory, solidifying his legitimacy as champion after their controversial first meeting. The fight highlighted both Sterling's tactical prowess and Yan's resilience in one of the bantamweight division's most intense rivalries.
1. Cory Sandhagen at UFC 250
At UFC 250, Aljamain Sterling secured a stunning first-round submission victory over Cory Sandhagen, staking his claim for a title shot. Sterling wasted no time applying pressure, quickly closing the distance and taking Sandhagen to the ground. Displaying exceptional grappling, he transitioned to the back, locked in a body triangle, and relentlessly pursued a rear-naked choke. After initial resistance from Sandhagen, Sterling adjusted the choke to sink it in deep, forcing Sandhagen to tap at 1:28 of the opening round. This dominant performance highlighted Sterling’s elite grappling skills and solidified his position as a top contender in the bantamweight division.
