How to Watch UFC 288: Sterling vs. Cejudo
Fight fans, get ready for an epic clash in the Octagon as Aljamain Sterling, the bantamweight champ, takes on the returning two-division titleholder, Henry Cejudo, at UFC 288 tonight.
Don’t miss a single moment of the action – we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know to watch UFC 288 live on ESPN+. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of the event, including the full fight card, as well as expert insight into who will win the main event.
Event Details
- What: UFC 288: Aljamain Sterling vs. Henry Cejudo
- When: Saturday, May 6 (PPV starts at 10pm ET)
- Where: Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey
- Watch: Only on ESPN+ PPV (Order Here)
UFC 288 is set to take place on Saturday, May 6th, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
The main card will kick off on ESPN+ pay-per-view at 10 p.m. ET, with prelims airing on ESPN and ESPN+ starting at 8 p.m. ET, and early prelims on ESPN+ at 6 p.m. ET.
In the main event, we have the reigning bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling (22-3), defending his title against out-of-retirement former two-division champ, Henry Cejudo (16-2). Sterling has successfully defended his title twice since he defeated Petr Yan in 2021 to claim the title.
Meanwhile, Cejudo hasn’t stepped into the Octagon since May 2020, when he defended the bantamweight title against Dominick Cruz before retiring in the cage. He previously held the flyweight belt as well.
The co-main event features a welterweight showdown between Belal Muhammad and Gilbert Burns. This high-stakes battle will help determine the next title challenger in the welterweight division. With both fighters ranking in the top 5, this is one match you won’t want to miss.
How to Watch UFC 288 Live on ESPN+
Now, let’s talk about the most important part – how to watch UFC 288 live.
The entire event, including the highly anticipated Sterling vs. Cejudo main event, is exclusively available on ESPN+ pay-per-view. That means the only way to catch all the action is to sign up for an ESPN+ subscription and order the event.
Signing up is a breeze. Just head to ESPNPlus.com/UFC and follow the on-screen instructions to create your account. Once you’ve signed up, you can order UFC 288 and watch it live on a variety of devices, including your smartphone, tablet, connected TV, or computer.
Fight Card Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at the UFC 288 main card and some notable prelims, examining the fighters’ styles, strengths, and recent performances.
In the main event, bantamweight champ Aljamain Sterling brings his well-rounded skill set and dangerous submission game to the table. He’s coming off a second-round TKO victory over TJ Dillashaw in October. On the other hand, Henry Cejudo, known for his Olympic-level wrestling and improved striking, seeks to shake off any rust after a three-year hiatus from the sport.
The co-main event features welterweights Belal Muhammad and Gilbert Burns in a battle that could determine the next title challenger. Muhammad, with his relentless pace and striking, is on a four-fight winning streak. Burns, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion, has showcased his striking skills lately, most notably with his victory over Jorge Masvidal at UFC 287.
In the strawweight division, we have former champion Jessica Andrade taking on Yan Xiaonan. Andrade is a powerhouse with heavy hands, while Xiaonan is a skilled striker with a high-volume attack. This fight is sure to be a stand-up war.
Expert Predictions and Analysis
In the main event, our expert analysts are all predicting a close, competitive battle between Sterling and Cejudo. And it’s no surprise, considering that the UFC 288 betting odds show both these fighters as near even as fans are unable to determine whether Sterling’s grappling prowess will be enough to counter Cejudo’s wrestling and striking.
Click here to read our Sterling vs. Cejudo staff predictions and best bets.
For the co-main event, Joe Pounders believes Muhammad’s cardio and intellect could cause major problems for Burns. He notes that Burns, logically speaking, should hold a striking edge and he’d be surprised to see him be out-wrestled, but Muhammad is on a roll right now and odds for him to win by decision are especially enticing.
Click here to read the full Muhammad vs. Burns breakdown and prediction.
UFC 288 promises to be an electrifying night of fights, with the Sterling vs. Cejudo showdown taking center stage. Don’t miss a single moment – sign up for ESPN+ and order the event now.
