With UFC 288 right around the corner, the promotion can’t wait to open its doors to some of the most exciting matchups of this year. The night’s main event will feature a clash between bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling and former champion Henry Cejudo. ‘Triple C,’ who last appeared inside the Octagon in 2020 is making his highly anticipated return to claim what was once his.
The co-main event of the evening will have Gilbert Burns make a quick in-cage return against a very tough opponent in Belal Muhammad. The Las Vegas-based promotion put together this bout on a 2 weeks short notice after news broke of Charles Oliveira pulling out of the previously scheduled co-main spot.
Here we go 🔥 It’s officially Fight Week in New Jersey!!
[ #UFC288 | Sat. May 6 | @Visit_NJ ] pic.twitter.com/0yZYa19CIZ
— UFC (@ufc) May 2, 2023
Aside from the above-mentioned stars, former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade will lock horns with Yan Xiaonan. Fans were excited about Bryce Mitchell’s return, especially after him contemplating retirement after his last contest. Unfortunately, the 28-year-old has pulled out of the fight due to an undisclosed injury.
Which songs will Aljamain Sterling and Henry Cejudo use for UFC 288?
Heading into his third title defense since winning it in 2021, Aljamain will face the former two-division champ, Henry Cejudo. During his recent title defense at UFC 280 against T.J. Dillashaw, Sterling walked out to “Motivation” by C. Henry and “I Love” by Joyner Lucas. Whereas at UFC 273, ‘Funkmaster‘ used “Farruko” by Pepas and “I Love” by Joyner Lucas as his walkout song. The night he won his first UFC gold, Sterling walked out to “I Love” by Joyner Lucas at UFC 259.
In his last octagon outing against Dominick Cruz at UFC 249, Henry used “The Show Goes On” by Lupe Fiasco as his walkout song. The song seems like a favorite for ‘Triple C‘ as he walked out to the same song at UFC 238 against Marlon Moraes. In his first flyweight title defense against T.J. Dillashaw, the 36-year-old used the same song for his walkout. Thus, fans won’t be surprised if Cejudo makes his grand return walking out to the same song.
Which songs will Belal Muhammad and Gilbert Burns use for UFC 288?
In an impressive showing of his striking prowess against Sean Brady, Belal Muhammad walked out to “My Blood is Palestinian” by Dami Falasteeni at UFC 280. The 34-year-old used “Man Listen” by Belly as his walkout song choice during his rematch with Vincente Luque in April 2022.
Belal definitely loves his playlist, as unlike many UFC athletes, he tries different choices for his walkout songs. The welterweight walked out to “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” by Queen during his outing against Stephen Thompson in December 2021.
Gilbert Burns seems like he also has a favorite track selected for the massive fights he has been a part of lately. At UFC 287, ‘Durinho‘ walked out to “Medley” by Buchecha, when he sent Jorge Masvidal into retirement. The Brazilian had the same choice for his walkout song at UFC 283 against Neil Magny. Using the same song at UFC 273, Burns proved to be Khamzat Chimaev’s first big test, with the duo putting on a spectacular contest.
Which song will Jessica Andrade use for UFC 288?
Jessica Andrade lost her most recent bout against Erin Blanchfield. The two women headlined a Fight Night card in February, where Andrade walked out to “Prvt E Hora de Vencer” by Faccao 288. The former strawweight champion has walked out to the same song consecutively in her last several UFC appearances. Most notable of them are her bouts against Lauren Murphy at UFC 283, and a UFC Fight Night headliner against Amanda Lemos.
UFC 288 is a star-studded event, which is set to go down this weekend. Which walkout are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments down below.
