5 reasons why Henry Cejudo is a tougher opponent for Aljamain Sterling than T.J. Dillashaw

While the UFC is reportedly targeting a title fight between Aljamain Sterling and T.J. Dillashaw on September 10 for UFC 279, the shadow of Henry Cejudo looms evermore over the bantamweight division. Dillashaw will be a stiff test for Aljamain Sterling due to his strong wrestling and superior striking acumen. However, if Henry Cejudo makes a hotly anticipated return to the bantamweight division, he is likely to pose a tougher challenge to Sterling than even Dillashaw.

Henry Cejudo is the better wrestler of the two, and his approach to striking can prey on the deficiencies of Aljamain Sterling's kick-heavy approach to kickboxing exchanges. This list will explore the stylistic reasons why Henry Cejudo might be a more difficult matchup for Sterling than Dillashaw.

#5. Sterling won't be able to secure takedowns

Aljamain Sterling is a terrific fighter with good wrestling and exceptional Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Once his foe is on the ground, Sterling always looks to attack his opponent's back. He intends to secure a back mount or a tight body triangle to control his foe's posture and positioning en route to fishing for a submission. Much of what Sterling threatens in a fight is his ability to finish opponents using his grappling.

ESPN on MMA star Aljamain Sterling '12, whose career was shaped by his Div. III wrestling experience with the Red Dragons:
espn.com/mma/story/_/id… https://t.co/oQFDorA6wc

Unfortunately, this requires that he be able to secure takedowns against his opponents. If Sterling cannot take his opponent to the ground, the fight becomes much harder for him. Sterling will most likely not be able to secure takedowns against Henry Cejudo, an Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling. This will prevent 'Funk Master' from imposing his primary game on the former bantamweight champion. While Dillashaw is a skilled wrestler, he is neither as experienced nor credentialed as Henry Cejudo.