UFC 288 set to be first PPV event in this city in more than 8 years
The UFC 288 date and location have recently been announced and it is set to be the first pay-per-view (PPV) event since February 2014—and their first fight card since August 2019—to be held in Newark, New Jersey.
Bantamweight gold was on the line the last time the promotion put on a PPV event in the city of NJ eight years ago when Renan Barao successfully defended his throne against Urijah Faber. The then-27-year-old Neil Magny opened the early prelims, and Jose Aldo, Alistair Overeem, and Kevin Lee all competed on the night.
As announced on social media earlier today, the State of New Jersey will host UFC 288 when the huge pay-per-view gets underway in two months' time.
"I can confirm that UFC 288 on May 6 is headed to the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. First event in Newark since August 2019, and first PPV event there since February 2014."
I can confirm that UFC 288 on May 6 is headed to the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. First UFC event in Newark since August 2019, and first PPV event there since February 2014. #UFC288
Aljamain Sterling will put his bantamweight strap on the line and aim to prove the doubters wrong when he collides with the returning Henry Cejudo in the main event at UFC 288 on May 6.
The two have been at each other's throats for some time and will now get to back up their words and potentially walk away holding gold when the cage door closes later this year.
Although it's official, Sean O'Malley or another top-ranked 135er could be used as a possible replacement fighter should Sterling or Cejudo fail to make it to the date of the bout.
UFC 288: Who else is fighting on the May 6 card?
The New Jersey pay-per-view is still two months away but has already begun filling up with some exciting fights, but who else will be competing besides the aforementioned headlining Sterling vs. Cejudo fight?
In what is likely to be the co-main event, Charles Oliveira sets out to earn a title shot and recapture his lightweight belt, but must first overcome the well-rounded challenge posed by Beneil Dariush.
A high-level grappling affair between Bryce Mitchell and Jonathan Pearce will light up the Prudential Center arena as the two featherweights look to bulldoze up the rankings.
Promising welterweight Rolando Bedoya will make his promotional debut when he meets heavy-hitting knockout artist 'Khaos' Williams in the middle of the octagon.