Aljamain Sterling gets the belt wrapped around his waist at UFC 259. He won the title after Petr Yan was disqualified for an illegal knee.
Aljamain Sterling gets a warm welcoming at homecoming rally
UFC bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling, got a warm welcoming yesterday in his home of Long Island, New York.
Nassau County held a homecoming parade for the undisputed champion to welcome Sterling back to his former high school – Uniondale.
Along with fans of the sport, former Long Island UFC champions Matt Serra and Chris Weidman were there to celebrate with Sterling.
Check out the homecoming:
A hero's welcome at Uniondale HS for alum and #UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling. @UNY11553 @ufc @funkmasterMMA @chrisweidman @MattSerraUFC @News12LI @N12Sports pic.twitter.com/uS5amMsJWc
— Kevin Maher (@KMaherNews12) May 23, 2022
UFC CHAMP HONORED: Uniondale HS rolled out the red carpet for new UFC bantamweight champion & proud alum Aljamain Sterling. @NassauExec Bruce Blakeman called it "Aljamain Sterling Day" in all of the county. @News12LI @AnikFlorianPod@raylongomma@funkmasterMMA @chrisweidman pic.twitter.com/Sn3jGdzu7Z
— Kevin Maher (@KMaherNews12) May 23, 2022
Once Sterling arrived at the high school, the speeches began. Nassau County Executive, Bruce Blakeman, congratulated Sterling on his accomplishments and deemed the day “Aljamain Sterling Day.”
He called up Sterling who then thanked his fans for coming and said, “this is a big moment for me in my life.”
Congratulations Aljo! You’re an inspiration to your community! Here’s to many more blessings! @funkmasterMMA @arielhelwani @AnikFlorianPod pic.twitter.com/Q3h03p7DZV
— 🦉 (@southpawsniper7) May 23, 2022
A few pix from @funkmasterMMA Aljamain Sterling Day at #Uniondale High School. Story, video and far better photos coming soon for Long Island’s third #ufc champion pic.twitter.com/ZECFgj9uew
— Mark La Monica (@LaMonicaMark) May 23, 2022
The homecoming came after Sterling’s first title defense back at UFC 273, where he defeated Petr Yan via split decision. Sitting at the top of the division, Sterling holds a record of 21-3-0 with wins over the likes of Jimmie Rivera, Pedro Munhoz, and Cory Sandhagen.
Looking forward, it has looked like Sterling will be matched with former flyweight and bantamweight champion, Henry Cejudo, for their respective returns to the octagon.
Though nothing is set in stone quite yet, what would you like to see next for the “Funk Master?”
