It looks like UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling’s return to the cage will have to wait longer.
Sterling has revealed that he’s dealing with a partially torn bicep and is doubtful about his chances of making a title defense against Henry Cejudo in March at UFC 285 as expected.
Sterling (22-3 MMA, 14-3 UFC) opened up about the situation that will likely delay his return on his YouTube channel.
“You guys are probably wondering if we’re going to fight or not,” Sterling said. “The fight is supposed to be myself and Henry Cejudo. I think that’s all said and done. It’s whether or not I can compete with this torn bicep again. Going through another training camp with a torn bicep, against a guy who is stronger in the wrestling department, who will use his wrestling more with inside leg trips, double legs, high crotches, and trying to run the pipe with these lifts. … I’m going to need this bicep to compete at 100 percent.
“And I don’t take Henry Cejudo lightly. Even though I laid out all the ways that I could win and do that for 25 minutes, I have to get in shape, and it’s hard to get in shape when I have this thing compromise me the entire time. Yes, I can run. Yes, I can do sprints. Those are all cool, but I need to make sure I have the grappling endurance to go 25 minutes with a guy like Henry. He’s smaller, so his conditioning is going to be much better, because he’s not going to be cutting as much weight as he’s been cutting. So I’m already compromised going in. … Is it realistic for me to fight in March? I don’t really think it is.”
A championship bout between Sterling and Cejudo (22-3 MMA, 14-3 UFC) was never signed or made official by the UFC. However, recently, both did publicly agree to fight in March.
Sterling said the bicep injury has been affecting him for a while, and he’s gone into previous title fights with it. He didn’t reveal how long it could potentially keep him out of action.
With these comments, top bantamweight contender Sean O’Malley suggested a potential fight against Cejudo on Twitter if Sterling is out.
Is AljoComain fighting Henry or not I’m confused ? He Said his bicep is torn. If that’s the case let me beat up Henry
— Sean O'Malley (@SugaSeanMMA) January 10, 2023
