Aljamain Sterling and Henry Cejudo trade jabs ahead of UFC 288
Aljamain Sterling is demanding a pay rise for TJ Dillashaw fight
It's Funk Master v the King of Cringe for UFC Bantamweight supremacy on Saturday.
UFC Bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling is set to take on Henry Cejudo in a grudge match at UFC 288 on Saturday.
Speaking to the press ahead of the bantamweight belt showdown in New Jersey, Sterling was quick to point out how Cejudo lives up to the 'King of Cringe' title.
"He is a cringey guy," said the 33-year-old, as per
mmajunkie.com.
"I just think he's socially awkward. Other than that, as a competitor, I respect him and everything he brings to the table. He's just a strange cat. I'm not looking past him. I think he might be underestimating me. And if he does, that's going to be his shortcoming on May 6."
Given Cejudo's "easy money" comments, it's no surprise Sterling is happy to play the underdog tag...
"It's easy money," quipped Cejudo, the former two-division champion.
"I watched these guys after coaching some of the best in the world - Jon Jones, Demetrious Johnson, Zhang Weili, Deiveson Figueiredo, Jiri Prochazka - and I started to understand my talent a little bit better.
"I know there is a window, I know there is a gap where I really do have to say goodbye. I'm 36 years old, I'm 36 years young, and I feel good. I feel really good."
Last time out, Cejudo defended the bantamweight title against Dominick Cruz, then vacated the title just weeks later after this retirement. While that was back in 2020, the Californian has been sitting idle.
"Yeah, I've been retired for three years, but really, I've been retired for two because this whole last year I've been training," Cejudo explained.
"This whole last year I've been studying. Those last two years I've been training [with] the best in the world, and it's just the accumulation of knowledge. I may grow a gut, I may like fried chicken like Daniel Cormier, but I can compete with anybody, and I believe I'm the greatest competitor of all time."
Recommended Offers
£30 Matched Free Bet if your first Acca loses + 100 Free Spins
New UK customers only. Min Stake: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, Cricket or Basketball multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets are available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. 100 Free Spins on More Unusual Suspects (£0.10 per spin) credited on settlement of qualifying Acca bet. No wagering requirements on free spin winnings. Debit Card deposit only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid 7 days after the new account is registered.
18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
Get up to £50 Welcome Bonus
New customers only. Opt-in required. 100% Match Bonus up to £50 on 1st deposit of £10+. 50x wagering & game weighting applies. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered.
18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
Get £10 in Free Bets
New customers only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Min Deposit: £10. Free Bet awarded: £10. 1 x £10 must be wagered at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). Free bet will expire 7 days after the 1st deposit.
18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
