UFC 288 was a night full of exciting fights, with the main event being the highly-anticipated bantamweight championship bout between Henry Cejudo and Aljamain Sterling. This was a night full of surprises, as some of the top contenders faced off and showcased their skills. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the results of UFC 288 and analyze each fight.
Main Event: Aljamain Sterling vs. Henry Cejudo
In the main event of UFC 288, Aljamain Sterling defeated Henry Cejudo in a closely contested split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47) to become the new bantamweight champion. Sterling’s grappling and wrestling skills were on full display as he took Cejudo down repeatedly and kept him on the ground for long periods of time. Cejudo tried to strike with Sterling and had some success, but it was not enough to sway the judges in his favor. With this victory, Sterling cemented himself as one of the top bantamweights in the world and set up potential future bouts with other top contenders in the division.
Belal Muhammad vs. Gilbert Burns
Belal Muhammad put on a dominant performance against Gilbert Burns, winning by unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46). Muhammad controlled the pace of the fight and outstruck Burns, landing more significant strikes and takedowns. Burns had some moments of success in the early rounds, but Muhammad’s pressure and volume proved to be too much for him to handle. With this win, Muhammad continued his ascent up the welterweight rankings and positioned himself as a legitimate contender in the division.
Yan Xiaonan vs. Jéssica Andrade
Yan Xiaonan made a statement in her fight against Jéssica Andrade, finishing her opponent by TKO (strikes) at 2:20 of Round 1. Xiaonan was dominant from the opening bell, landing a flurry of strikes that staggered Andrade. Xiaonan then followed up with a vicious ground-and-pound attack that forced the referee to stop the fight. With this impressive win, Xiaonan solidified her status as a top contender in the women’s strawweight division.
Movsar Evloev vs. Diego Lopes
Movsar Evloev defeated Diego Lopes by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) in a closely contested featherweight bout. Evloev was the more active fighter, landing more significant strikes and takedowns throughout the fight. Lopes had his moments, but was unable to mount a sustained offense against Evloev’s superior wrestling and striking. With this win, Evloev improved his record to 16-0 and positioned himself as a rising star in the featherweight division.
Charles Jourdain vs. Kron Gracie
In a battle of featherweight prospects, Charles Jourdain defeated Kron Gracie by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27). Jourdain was the more aggressive fighter, landing more significant strikes and stuffing Gracie’s takedown attempts. Gracie had some success with his grappling, but was unable to control Jourdain on the ground or mount a sustained offense. With this win, Jourdain improved his record to 12-4 and continued his ascent up the featherweight rankings.
Matt Frevola defeats Drew Dober by TKO (strikes) at 4:08 of Round 1
Matt Frevola put on an impressive performance in his lightweight bout against Drew Dober, winning by TKO in the first round. Frevola wasted no time in taking the fight to Dober, landing a huge left hand that sent Dober crashing to the canvas. Frevola pounced on his downed opponent, raining down a barrage of strikes until the referee was forced to step in and stop the fight.
Khaos Williams defeats Rolando Bedoya by split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
In a welterweight contest, Khaos Williams and Rolando Bedoya went the distance, with Williams ultimately coming out on top by split decision. Bedoya started the fight strong, landing some significant strikes and even knocking Williams down in the first round. However, Williams was able to turn the tide as the fight wore on, using his striking and grappling to wear down his opponent and earn the win.
Virna Jandiroba defeats Marina Rodriguez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Virna Jandiroba put on a dominant performance in her strawweight matchup against Marina Rodriguez, winning by unanimous decision. Jandiroba was able to take Rodriguez down at will, controlling her on the ground and landing some significant strikes. Rodriguez had no answer for Jandiroba’s grappling, and the Brazilian fighter was able to cruise to a convincing victory.
Parker Porter defeats Braxton Smith by TKO (strikes) at 2:10 of Round 1
In a heavyweight matchup, Parker Porter and Braxton Smith squared off, with Porter earning a first-round TKO victory. Porter was able to land some significant strikes early in the fight, sending Smith to the canvas. From there, Porter pounced on his downed opponent, landing a series of strikes until the referee was forced to step in and stop the fight.
Ikram Aliskerov defeats Phil Hawes by KO (right hand) at 2:10 of Round 1
In a middleweight contest, Ikram Aliskerov took on Phil Hawes, and it was Aliskerov who came out on top, earning a first-round KO victory. Aliskerov landed a huge right hand that sent Hawes crashing to the canvas, and the referee was forced to step in and stop the fight.
Claudio Ribeiro defeats Joseph Holmes by TKO (strikes) at 3:21 of Round 2
In the opening bout of the night, Claudio Ribeiro took on Joseph Holmes in a bantamweight matchup, with Ribeiro winning by TKO in the second round. Ribeiro was able to control the fight on the ground, landing some significant strikes and eventually forcing the referee to step in and stop the fight.
