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In the lead-up to UFC 288, current bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has engaged in some playful yet provocative banter with former double champion Henry Cejudo.
Sterling has gone as far as suggesting that Cejudo may have a secret admiration for him, stating that 'Triple C' is an "undercover booty bandit." This bold remark has certainly caught the attention of fans and is likely to add more fuel to the already intense rivalry between the two fighters.
It remains to be seen whether Cejudo will respond to Sterling's taunts or if this is just part of the champ's strategy to get under his opponent's skin. Either way, it's clear that the upcoming fight between these two talented fighters will be one to watch.
Aljamain Sterling, while replying to a fan's tweet claiming 'The Messenger' has a crush on him, remarked:
"I swear he’s an undercover booty bandit, bro! I’ve seen this movie before with guys like him"
The UFC has confirmed a bantamweight championship fight between Aljamain Sterling and Henry Cejudo on May 6 at UFC 288. Cejudo's abrupt retirement from the fight game in May 2020, following his victory over Dominick Cruz, left many fans surprised. However, he seems to have reconsidered his decision and is now set to return to the octagon for this keenly awaited match-up against 'Funk Master'.
Aljamain Sterling has been in top form lately, enjoying an impressive winning streak of eight fights since 2018. He secured the bantamweight championship title from Petr Yan at UFC 259 after Yan was disqualified for an illegal knee strike in the fourth round. His recent success has made him a formidable opponent, and many fans are looking forward to the clash between him and Cejudo.
Henry Cejudo disparages Aljamain Sterling's Division III wrestling credentials
Henry Cejudo, a former two-division UFC champion and Olympic gold medalist, has questioned Aljamain Sterling's wrestling capabilities. 'Triple C' even stated that he can beat Sterling whenever he wants.
During a recent appearance on DC & RC, Cejudo and Sterling got into a heated disagreement. The conversation turned to their various professional successes and fighting styles, with 'Triple C' bragging about his Olympic-level wrestling prowess.
Cejudo also questioned Sterling's wrestling abilities and disregarded his Division III qualification, sparking a heated confrontation between the two competitors.
The former bantamweight champion stated:
"Have you seen my resume? I can say whatever the hell, I'm the real king. Remember I left with two belts and Olympic gold medal. You ain't nothing now, Aljo you better get it bro, you're gonna come up here and throw those shrunk kicks. I'm gonna put [you] to sleep like Marlon Moraes."
Check out the entire conversation below (from 3:39 mins in the video):
