However, another rival of Cejudo’s is Aljamain Sterling and Cejudo recently had an interview with ESPN discussing Sterling and other potential title challengers. Cejudo posted the interview on his Twitter, while also referring to Sterling as “Aljamima,” which is allegedly a reference to Aunt Jemima, who has been used in the past in a racial manner.
Triple C doesn’t even pay attention to Aljamima Sterling Silver @funkmastermma ----secondly, Triple C wants to fight you Petr, but your English needs to get Betr, you ugly communist potato -- And last but not least, my tune-up fight, the cabbage patch head Jose Waldo. @danawhite pic.twitter.com/5bRzspHrwb
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) February 17, 2020
Karyn Bryant, who is an ESPN reporter and someone who has been working for the UFC for many years now, took to Twitter to call out Cejudo for using a racist term:
Champ, I respect your talent. And I have thick skin. BUT, if you were wondering if calling @funkmasterMMA "Aljamima" was racist, the answer is yes. Yes it is. Please stop. https://t.co/C7UpWyFDj0
— Karyn Bryant (@KarynBryant) February 18, 2020
I am rarely offended, TBH. And maybe he didn't "mean" it, but that doesn't mean it's a great idea for him to keep using it. I pointed it out in the hopes that he'd stop. I like Henry! I don't have a problem with him, just thought he could learn something here... https://t.co/LfdC88pbqk
— Karyn Bryant (@KarynBryant) February 18, 2020
There has been no response yet from Cejudo, Sterling or the UFC on the allegedly racist terminology used by the bantamweight champion.
