“Have some respect,” more backstage drama ensues as Aljamain Sterling threatens Henry Cejudo’s team for disrespect

Bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling gets mad at the teammates of Henry Cejudo for playing mind games during his weigh-in attempt.

“Have some respect,” more backstage drama ensues as Aljamain Sterling threatens Henry Cejudo’s team for disrespect

Aljamain Sterling warns team of Henry Cejudo (Image Courtesy - The Mirror)

The rivalry between Aljamain Sterling and Henry Cejudo became heated after the weigh-ins concluded. Sterling accused Cejudo’s team of showing disrespect to him while he was trying to make weight. It even came close to a brawl backstage with Sterling in angry mode, surrounded by his friends Al Iaquinta and Merab Dvalishvili.

Aljamain Sterling said, “Have some respect for the sport. Let Henry do his f***ing talking. You guys have some f***ing respect. Simple as that. I don’t care. If we want to have beef, let us have beef because you guys don’t get slapped or f***ing punched in the face.” Then the conversation changed to Cejudo’s team threatening to press charges against Sterling.

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At this point, Sterling’s anger peaked, and he had to be separated from Cejudo’s team. Before leaving, he yelled, “What do you want to do? You guys want to press f***ing charges you bi***-a** motherf***ers,” before leaving. A guy in the background says, “I am a lawyer, Aljo. I got you.” However, no one knows what he implied. Is he saying he will help Sterling with his law expertise, or is he on Team Cejudo?

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At this point, the fighters and their teams are invested in the rivalry. Team Cejudo played mind games and mental warfare with Sterling to give Henry Cejudo some advantage before their title fight. In the past, there have been multiple instances of a fighter getting compromised mentally before their fight. Jose Aldo got compromised before his fight with Conor McGregor.

Related: “A little lighter than you bro,” Henry Cejudo roasts reporter asking fighter’s weight during retirement days

Intense face-off between Aljamain Sterling and Henry Cejudo

Henry Cejudo Aljamain Sterling
Face off before UFC 288 (Image Courtesy – The Mirror)

UFC 288 will feature the title fight between Aljamain Sterling and Henry Cejudo. Bantamweight champion Sterling will make his third title defense in Newark, New Jersey. Cejudo will return to the octagon after an absence of three years.

After the ceremonial weigh-ins, the duo had a heated face-off. Sterling and Cejudo chirped something at each other during their final encounter before UFC 288. Sterling then started to raise his hands to convey something, but Cejudo slapped it away. Immediately, Sterling pushed Cejudo before officials managed to separate them.

Fight fans must consider Sterling in the discussion for the greatest bantamweight of all time if he defeats Cejudo. In the history of UFC’s bantamweight division, no fighter managed to defend the title three times. Sterling has two title defenses, and one more will break the record.

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