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.
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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.