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Sterling vs Cejudo Prediction, Fight Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks

UFC 288 Main Event

Saturday’s UFC fight card is headlined by Aljamain Sterling vs Henry Cejudo, where Sterling’s bantamweight title is on the line.

The sportsbook has almost nothing between them, with Cejudo edging favoritism at -120, so bettors should expect a close fight.

Sterling vs Cejudo Prediction, Fight Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks
Sterling vs Cejudo Prediction, Fight Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks

It’s a rare case when the title holder isn’t favored to win.

Sterling is No Joke

Despite UFC betting markets have Sterling at -110 to defend his title, we believe he’s one of the most underrated fighters in recent history.

He showed his toughness when beating Petr Yan at UFC 273 before defending his title at UFC 280 against T.J. Dillashaw. We’re not sure if Dillashaw is at his best any more, but Sterling made him look second rate.

He might not be the most loved fighter on the UFC roster, but at 22-3, he should be the sport betting favorite for this fight.

The 33-year-old has been talking a bit game, as if we expected anything different from the champion.

“There’s no animosity, I don’t want that to come off that way. I’m not trying to force anything. I’m not trying to fake anything [but] the guy talks a lot,” Sterling said. “Sat on the sidelines and talked so much s*** and criticized everybody. No disrespect but it’s almost like what Khabib [Nurmagomedov] did.

“When Khabib retired, he started to become a lot more vocal and it wasn’t vocal in a very humble or respectful way, I feel like and I don’t know if he did that intentionally or he didn’t realize the way it was coming off.”

Bettors often get value odds for Sterling, who could firm into favoritism on fight night. The Funk Master continues to defy his critics, so he’s every chance of beating the former flyweight and bantamweight champion.

Cejudo Riding Winning Streak

There is plenty of hype surrounding Cejudo, especially with UFC 288 odds. He is riding a six-fight winning streak, which kicked off with a win over Wilson Reis in 2017.

His most recent win came against Dominick Cruz at UFC 249, and although he’s beating an ageing fighter, it came by knockout late in the second round.

Defeating Cruz by knockout isn’t something that’s easily achieved, which is why online gambling markets aren’t letting him out of their sights.

The 36-year-old Californian also looked good when knocking out Dillashaw and Marlon Moraes in 2022, so there are no holes in his record.

However, Sterling is a tough fighter to beat, and he’s the much taller and longer fighter. Sterling has a sizable height and reach advantage, which could make it tough for Cejudo to get close to the champion.

That’s why we believe Cejudo should be the underdog, but if he gets out to a fast start, live betting markets will firm his odds to around -200. However, being a five-round fight, he’ll need to stay aggressive and that will test his endurance.

He does’t want to stop at the bantamweight title, as he calls out Sean O’Malley.

“[Aljamain] Sterling, stay tuned — now your time is running out!” Cejudo declared. “May 6 is right around the corner. Go out and get your little thong ready, your nice little dress ready. Because I’m taking you out first, and then I’m going after Ronald McDonald. That’s right, Sean O’Malley, he’s next, that dirty q-tip. And after that the real goal.”

Sterling vs Cejudo Head-to-Head

This will be the first meeting between Sterling vs Cejudo.

Sterling vs Cejudo Fight Information

  • Fight: Sterling (22-3) vs Cejudo (16-2)
  • Location: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
  • Day/Time: Saturday, May 6, 10 pm ET
  • Sterling vs Cejudo Live Stream: UFC Fight Pass

Sterling vs Cejudo Betting Lines

Sterling vs Cejudo Picks and Prediction

Sterling is an excellent bet at the -110 odds, and we’re happy to take that price to the bank.

He is the bigger and better fighter, and although he’s unpopular, that doesn’t mean much inside the Octagon.

Late money could come for him, so don’t miss out on the value price.

The Sterling are listed at -110 in our Vegas UFC 288 lines. This means that if you wager $100 on Sterling, you have a chance to win $91. The Cejudoare -120, offering a chance to win $83 on a $100 wager.

The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives Sterling a 52.38% chance to win, with Cejudo at 54.55%.

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