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The next challenger to Aljamain Sterling’s Bantamweight crown is uncertain. Sterling is interested in some time off, but UFC seems ready to act and get a title fight booked — interim if necessary! Interim or not, it feels like Sean O’Malley is the frontrunner for a chance at gold. He did just beat former champion Petr Yan, standing as the No. 1-ranked contender as a result.
Per “Suga” himself, UFC confirmed his next fight will be for a belt.
Dominance MMA CEO Ali Abdelaziz has a different stance. Per Abdelaziz, Henry Cejudo vs. Sterling is a done deal. Since retiring in 2020, Cejudo has expressed a willingness to return for a title fight, and now Abdelaziz says it’s happening.
I can’t wait for my boy, ‘Triple C’ (Henry Cejudo) to come back,” Ali Abdelaziz told John Morgan (via LowKickMMA). “I like Aljo (Aljamain Sterling), I consider Aljo as a friend. Aljo is fighting Henry Cejudo – it’s done, you know, it’s done. It’s just – the UFC said it’s done, he knows it’s done.”
“I understand he wants a different fight, but he (Henry Cejudo) never lost his belt, he’s a two-time champion – defended both his belts. And he left on his own. He didn’t leave cause he lost or was injured, he just needed time off. And guess what, I think he will defend this title – it’s a champion versus champion, ‘cause he never lost his belt. And I disagree with Aljamain, I think it’s a big fight. It’s a tougher fight, he knows that, and I know that. I don’t think Aljamain shied from an opponent, I think he tried to make Henry sweat. But I already know what’s up – he’s fighting Henry.”
Prior to stepping away from the sport, Cejudo went on a six-fight tear that did see him capture and defend both the Flyweight and Bantamweight titles. It’s been a long time, however, so it’ll be interesting to see how UFC measures his previous accomplishments against O’Malley’s current star power.
Insomnia
Happy Thanksgiving!
Israel Adesanya cannot help but make it at least a little awkward.
Adesanya and Pereira after their bout.pic.twitter.com/lO3xoBOmM0
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) November 24, 2022
Team Cejudo and Team O’Malley both say they’ve been promised a title shot, so … we’ll see!
| Ali Abdelaziz has told @JohnMorgan_MMA that Aljamain Sterling vs. Henry Cejudo for the bantamweight title is a done deal.#UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/guuuFGKxlW
— The MMA Media (@The_MMA_Media) November 24, 2022
Well, this is disappointing.
Former UFC fighter Aaron Brink, father of the Colorado Springs Club Q shooter speaks out.
“We’re Mormons, we don’t do gay.” pic.twitter.com/4jJNspwV12
— Al Zullino (@phre) November 23, 2022
Michael Chandler donned the ice mask and read angry Tweets. Classic!
y’all asked for it…he delivered. ICE FACE READS MEAN TWEETS #ufc281 https://t.co/mjyQYXowut pic.twitter.com/y0R1SHTLEB
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) November 23, 2022
A new booking at 115-pounds:
Jessica Penne will take on Tabatha Ricci at #UFC285 on March 4th.
[per @MMAJunkie] #UFC285 #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/KSBpK2MSXA— The MMA Media (@The_MMA_Media) November 24, 2022
Congratulations to Tecia Torres and Raquel Pennington!
I’ve known “Pretty” Ricky Turcios for the better part of a decade, and I promise y’all from the bottom of my heart, he’s not putting on a show for the media. This is straight Ricky!
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Vintage Robbie Lawler violence!
It’s rare to watch someone’s eyes roll back so clearly in slow-motion.
Hell of a way to start the round!
Random Land
Chaos.
Midnight Music: Alt rock, 2008
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.