Henry Cejudo, the former bantamweight champion, is determined to reclaim his title after a split decision loss to Aljamain Sterling. Despite retiring in 2020, Cejudo returned to the octagon with a loss to Sterling at UFC 288, fueling his comeback. Now, Cejudo has his sights set on a potential matchup with Merab Dvalishvili, the No. 1 ranked bantamweight contender and a close friend and training partner of Sterling.
Dvalishvili, currently recovering from hand surgery, is expected to be ready for a fight in the fall. Cejudo sees this matchup as his fastest path back to the title, potentially fighting for a vacant belt if Sterling or Sean O’Malley relinquish their titles.
Key Takeaways:
- Henry Cejudo aims to reclaim the bantamweight title after a split decision loss to Aljamain Sterling.
- Merab Dvalishvili, the No.1 ranked bantamweight contender and a close friend of Sterling, is a potential opponent for Cejudo.
- Dvalishvili is currently recovering from hand surgery but is expected to be ready for a fight in the fall.
- Cejudo believes a matchup with Dvalishvili is his fastest path back to the title.
- If Sterling or Sean O’Malley relinquish their titles, Cejudo may have the opportunity to fight for a vacant belt.
Henry Cejudo’s Options for His Return to the Octagon
Henry Cejudo, the former two-weight champion at flyweight and bantamweight, has a multitude of options for his highly anticipated return to the octagon. With aspirations to regain the bantamweight title, Cejudo is considering various potential matchups and weight classes.
One option that Cejudo is exploring is a potential matchup with current flyweight champion, Brandon Moreno. However, Cejudo believes that for this fight to materialize, Moreno would need to move up in weight. Despite their history, Cejudo will only consider facing Moreno if the payday is substantial.
Another avenue Cejudo is contemplating is a move up to the featherweight division. This has been a long-standing goal for him since he initially came out of retirement. However, the UFC initially expressed reluctance in offering Cejudo a fast track to the featherweight title, wanting him to prove himself again at bantamweight. Nonetheless, the possibility of a featherweight bout remains open.
Henry Cejudo’s Options for His Return to the Octagon
- Potential rematch against current flyweight champion, Brandon Moreno, if Moreno moves up in weight.
- Consideration of dropping back down to the flyweight division for a significant payday.
- Exploring the featherweight division, a weight class Cejudo has longed to compete in.
With several options on the table, Cejudo’s return to the octagon promises to be an intriguing and highly anticipated event. Fans and pundits alike eagerly await the announcement of his next opponent and weight class, as Cejudo’s presence in any division is bound to create excitement and generate buzz.
Weight Class | Potential Opponent |
---|---|
Flyweight | Brandon Moreno |
Featherweight | Alexander Volkanovski |
“I want big names and big paychecks. I want to fight the best, and I want to make history,” Cejudo expressed when discussing his options for his return to the octagon.
As Cejudo continues to evaluate his choices, the world of mixed martial arts eagerly anticipates the announcement of his next opponent. Whether it be in the flyweight, bantamweight, or featherweight division, Cejudo’s return is set to be a spectacle that will keep fight fans on the edge of their seats.
Merab Dvalishvili’s Title Shot and Potential Opponents
Merab Dvalishvili, the No. 1 contender in the bantamweight division, is eagerly awaiting his shot at the title. However, it seems that his desired opponent, Sean O’Malley, has other plans. O’Malley is more interested in a rematch against Marlon Vera for his first title defense. This leaves Dvalishvili in a challenging position, as he may be passed over for the opportunity.
Despite the setback, Dvalishvili remains determined to prove himself and secure a shot at the belt. He is willing to face anyone who stands in his way, including the former champion Henry Cejudo. Dvalishvili and Cejudo have been offered a potential fight, which could take place in January, according to Cejudo’s manager.
Dvalishvili’s relentless pursuit of a title shot has not been without controversy. Some have accused him of avoiding certain opponents or taking the “safe” route. However, Dvalishvili remains focused on his goal and is ready to face the challenges that come his way.
While Dvalishvili’s potential opponents may change in the coming months, one thing is certain – he is determined to prove himself as the top contender in the bantamweight division and to earn his shot at the title.
Merab Dvalishvili’s Potential Opponents
Potential Opponent | Current Ranking |
---|---|
Sean O’Malley | No. 1 |
Marlon Vera | No. 2 |
Henry Cejudo | No. 3 |
Fight Analysis and Predictions for Cejudo vs. Dvalishvili
The potential matchup between Henry Cejudo and Merab Dvalishvili has captured the attention of fans and experts alike in the bantamweight division. Let’s analyze the fight and make some predictions.
When it comes to fight analysis, Cejudo’s experience and impressive resume cannot be ignored. As a former two-weight champion in the UFC, he has proven time and again that he can rise to any challenge. His skills and strategies inside the octagon have earned him victories against some of the toughest opponents in the sport.
On the other hand, Dvalishvili is on a remarkable nine-fight win streak. His relentless style and exceptional grappling skills have made him a force to be reckoned with in the division. Dvalishvili’s ability to dominate his opponents and control the fight has earned him praise from fans and experts.
As for predictions, this matchup is a tough one to call. Cejudo’s experience could give him the edge, but Dvalishvili’s recent performances suggest that he is more than capable of pulling off an upset. It could come down to who can implement their game plan effectively and capitalize on their opponent’s weaknesses.
Regardless of the outcome, the fight between Cejudo and Dvalishvili promises to be an intense and exciting battle in the bantamweight division. Fans can expect a high-level display of skills and strategies from both fighters as they aim to solidify their positions in the division and inch closer to a title shot.