UFC 288 predictions: Can Cejudo play catch-up and take Sterling's title?

Ahead of Saturday's UFC 288 in Newark, theScore's Nick Baldwin makes his picks for the main-card bouts.

Bantamweight championship

Aljamain Sterling (22-3)
vs.
Henry Cejudo (16-2)

Sterling has finally gained some respect as the real, legitimate, rightful - whatever you want to call it - bantamweight king. It took a split-decision win over the heavily favored Petr Yan and then a dominant TKO win over TJ Dillashaw, but these days, not many people refer to Sterling as the second- or third-best bantamweight in the world. On Saturday, he faces his biggest test in the division - Cejudo, the former two-division champ who returns after a three-year retirement. With a win, Sterling would add to his legacy in a big way.

This is a fascinating matchup because when Cejudo ruled the division three years ago, he would've likely been a sizable betting favorite. Now it's close to a pick 'em. Sterling has come into his own as a well-rounded mixed martial artist at just the right time, while there are many questions about how Cejudo may look after the layoff, going into retirement mode, and being three years older.

Ultimately, I'm leaning toward Sterling to win a decision in a closely contested affair. His reach and overall size advantage should make it difficult for Cejudo to connect on the feet at certain times, and Sterling will be able to control the pace of the fight.

The grappling scenarios would be interesting if the fight makes it to the ground, as Sterling is a solid jiu-jitsu artist and Cejudo is an Olympic gold medalist in wrestling. But given both men's ability on the mat, I'd say this one will largely be a striking battle that Sterling edges ever so slightly.

The pick: Sterling, unanimous decision

Welterweight bout

Belal Muhammad (22-3, 1 NC)
vs.
Gilbert Burns (22-5)

A welterweight title shot could be on the line in the co-main event as Muhammad and Burns meet on short notice.

Similar to the main event, Muhammad is arguably strongest in wrestling and Burns in jiu-jitsu. So I tend to think their ground abilities will counter each other and make for a striking bout.

Though Burns will bring an edge in power, Muhammad has shown in recent wins - particularly his decision over Vicente Luque and his TKO of Sean Brady - that his boxing has gotten a lot sharper.

He also has no problem going five rounds, so I'm leaning toward Muhammad to outlast and outwork Burns down the stretch for a career win. That would set up a long-awaited title shot against the winner of Leon Edwards versus Colby Covington.

The pick: Muhammad, unanimous decision

Strawweight bout

Jessica Andrade (24-10)
vs.
Yan Xiaonan (16-3, 1 NC)

After a two-fight stop at flyweight, Andrade is back in the strawweight division and is looking to reclaim what was once hers: champion Zhang Weili's title. To head in the right direction, Andrade will need to get past top contender Yan.

Yan has had an up-and-down last few years, beating the likes of Mackenzie Dern and Claudia Gadelha but coming up short against higher-level competition like Carla Esparza and Marina Rodriguez. Andrade tends to fall into the latter category, so this could be a tough night at the office for Yan.

Andrade, a former 115-pound champion, is one of the hardest hitters in women's MMA and usually puts a stamp on her performances. If Yan can dodge her biggest blows and dictate the pace, then maybe she can pull off the upset. But otherwise, expect Andrade to bully her way through Yan for a convincing decision victory.

The pick: Andrade, unanimous decision

Other main-card predictions: Movsar Evloev def. Diego Lopes by TKO, Charles Jourdain def. Kron Gracie by decision