UFC bantamweight champion Sterling celebrated in hometown

UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling. Clayton Freeman/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK

UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling celebrated in hometown

Originally posted on Sherdog.com | By Tristen Critchfield | Last updated 5/23/22

The hometown arrival of a champion pic.twitter.com/OzhxupuPfm— Mark La Monica (@LaMonicaMark) May 23, 2022

UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling was a prominent figure during a “homecoming rally” in his hometown of Uniondale, N.Y., on Monday.

Sterling rode atop a Nassau County fire marshall’s truck and waved to those in attendance as part of a parade. The video was captured by Newsday MMA reporter Mark LaMonica. May 23 was declared “Aljamain Sterling Day” by Nassau County.

“I'm an emotional guy. I get emotional even just being up here in front of you guys because this is like, you know,” Sterling said while speaking on a stage at his alma mater, Uniondale High School (via Newsday). “I was a small kid and to be doing this, man, truly, truly blessed. Some times I really do still think I'm dreaming and wonder when I'm gonna wake up.

“Man I got a day. This is insane.”

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

Sterling is coming off a split-decision triumph in a 135-pound title rematch against Petr Yan at UFC 273 on April 9. “The Funk Master” has been victorious in his last seven UFC appearances and is expected to face ex-champ T.J. Dillashaw in his next belt defense.

This article first appeared on Sherdog and was syndicated with permission.

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