UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling was the center of attention in Nassau County, New York, in the former of a “Homecoming Rally” following his title defense over Petr Yan in April.
Sterling (21-3 MMA, 13-3 UFC) was showered with praise on Monday in the form of a parade through the streets and was subsequently honored at the high school he attended.
“Truly honored that Nassau county is holding a Homecoming Rally for me at my Alma Mater!” Sterling wrote prior to the rally. “I’ll be recognized at Uniondale High School for my accomplishments within the UFC as world champ.”
There was a solid group of supports out for “The Funkmaster,” according to footage that surfaced on social media (via Twitter):
The hometown arrival of a champion pic.twitter.com/OzhxupuPfm
— Mark La Monica (@LaMonicaMark) May 23, 2022
Following the parade, Sterling offered a speech thanking the organizers for acknowledging his accomplishments (via Facebook):
Sterling, No. 1 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie bantamweight rankings, defeated Yam by split decision in their rematch at UFC 273. He originally won the title a year prior, but it came with controversy as Yan was disqualified for an illegal strike.
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