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In the main event of UFC 288, Aljamain Sterling faces Henry Cejudo…

I don't believe in Santa Clause or the easter Bunny… but I sure do believe in ring rust. 

I know we all just witnessed Jon Jones take a 3 year layoff, comeback and absolutely dominate Cyril Gane. Yet that was more a situation where Jones took the path of least resistance and clear vulnerability of Gane. Now we have another elite level former champion whom walked away early stepping back into the cage. No doubt Henry Cejudo possesses the ability to return back to elite level status but without a tune up fight it's a tall task for any fighter returning to face a surging current champion. Cejudo's wrestling is key to his success utilizing top control and heavy ground and pound. This issue for Henry could be two fold… first being the massive 7 inch reach advantage Aljo will have making it difficult to cut distance striking or level changing. The footwork and rangy combinations could keep Cejudo at distance or struggling to get fight to the mat. Now with that said, I know Henry will find takedowns but Aljo is no slouch on the ground. Aljo has an incredible ability sliding to back control body locking opponent all round. His ability to backpack the opposition could be a spot Sterling can find control or submission hunt Saturday night. Even if Henry gets him down I believe Aljo is highly capable of scrambling back to his feet or transition into control. His long limbs make his ground movements tricky with ability to create space when needed. Add in the fact that Henry is no spring chicken now on the wrong side of 35. At 36 years old with 3 years out of competition is also something to take into consideration. While Aljo is 33 in his prime and hitting his stride. Between Flyweight and Welterweight fighters who are 35 and over in title fights are 2-22 in history of UFC. 

At even money on the current champion who's well rounded, more active with a sizeable reach advantage. Give me the Funk Master. 

3% Play: Aljamain Sterling (-105)