UFC 288 LIVE updates and results – Drew Dober vs Matt Frevola
The former UFC champion shows off a broken tooth after a bare-knuckle match
Aljamain Sterling is defending the UFC bantamweight title tonight against Henry Cejudo, who is returning after a three-year absence to regain the belt.
Cejudo retired from MMA in 2020, shortly after retaining the title he previously held alongside the flyweight belt. Sterling, 33, won the gold in 2021 and has kept it twice since, and the Jamaican-American brings it up again tonight in UFC 288’s main event.
American Cejudo, an Olympic wrestling gold medalist, is emerging from retirement to reclaim the bantamweight title, and a future shot at the featherweight title is also on the 36-year-old’s radar.
If Cejudo could defeat Sterling tonight in New Jersey and then claim the featherweight belt, he would be the only three-division champion in UFC history. That’s a tall order, however, with Sterling in his prime and fresh off a TKO win over former champion TJ Dillashaw.
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UFC 288 LIVE – Kron Gracie vs. Charles Jourdain
Jourdain, also a Jiu-Jitsu black belt, is able to get up and escape!
Gracie follows him and ties Jourdain to the fence.
Once again. Jourdain separates from his opponent and tries to land punches.
Alex PattleMay 7, 2023 3:27 am
UFC 288 LIVE – Kron Gracie vs. Charles Jourdain
Another uppercut is announced for Jourdain. He tags Gracie with a counter right hook when the Brazilian kicks low.
Gracie is able to close the reach and pull cover, dragging Jourdain to the mat!
Jourdain wisely keeps his arms and legs drawn up, trying to prevent Gracie from isolating any limbs.
However, Gracie is looking for a triangle choke…
Alex PattleMay 7, 2023 3:25 am
UFC 288 LIVE – Kron Gracie vs. Charles Jourdain
Gracie is on the southpaw. A right cross and a jab go through his guard.
More straight punches and an uppercut land for Jourdain, who shows his speed early on.
However, Gracie brings him back to the fence and initiates the first wrestling match of the fight.
Jourdain fights free before throwing Gracie off him as the Brazilian tries to grab him again.
Alex PattleMay 7, 2023 3:23 am
UFC 288 LIVE – Kron Gracie vs. Charles Jourdain
Alex PattleMay 7, 2023 3:21 am
UFC 288 LIVE – Kron Gracie vs. Charles Jourdain
Canadian Jourdain is a snappy striker, while Brazilian Gracie – like most of his family members – is an expert in jiu-jitsu.
Alex PattleMay 7, 2023 3:18 am
UFC 288 LIVE – Kron Gracie vs. Charles Jourdain
For this writer’s money, Charles “Air” Jourdain has the best nickname in the UFC.
Alex PattleMay 7, 2023 3:16 am
UFC 288 LIVE – Kron Gracie vs. Charles Jourdain
This fight marks Gracie’s first fight in three and a half years.
Alex PattleMay 7, 2023 3:15 am
UFC 288 LIVE – Kron Gracie vs. Charles Jourdain
Kron Gracie belongs to the most important family in MMA history. Read ours exclusive interview with Royce Gracie fighting at UFC 1 and becoming the first-ever promotion champion:
Alex PattleMay 7, 2023 03:05
UFC 288 LIVE – Kron Gracie vs. Charles Jourdain
That’s it for the preliminary round. The main map starts out short, beginning with a light fight between Kron Gracie and Charles Jourdain.
Alex PattleMay 7, 2023 2:50 am
UFC 288 LIVE – Drew Dober vs. Matt Frevola
Frevola: “Paddy Pimblett, you absolutely suck. stop being b***h.”
Alex PattleMay 7, 2023 2:49 am
