Former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo is after all the smoke ahead of his return to competition next weekend.
In the first pay-per-view to take place during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Cejudo successfully defended the bantamweight title against legendary former 135-pound kingpin Dominick Cruz.
In the aftermath, “Triple C” announced a shocking retirement, departing the promotion as a former champ-champ. Three years on, Cejudo is returning to the fray with high ambitions and a rejuvenated motivation.
While he called out Alexander Volkanovski after announcing his intention to make a comeback, Cejudo is being forced to reconquer the bantamweight division before shooting for a historic third championship belt.
With that, the 2008 Olympic gold medalist is targeting a return to a throne he once occupied next weekend in Newark, when he headlines UFC 288 against titleholder Aljamain Sterling.
But Cejudo is already looking ahead to his plans beyond “Funk Master,” which will see him defend the belt against Sean O’Malley before unseating “Alexander the Great” at 145 pounds.
Henry Cejudo Shoots At Every Comeback Target
Ahead of his long-awaited return in New Jersey on May 6, Henry Cejudo reiterated the bout order he has in mind for the next steps of his in-cage career during an interview with ESPN MMA.
While he was asked to cut the kind of promo that the self-professed “King of Cringe” has become known for on his immediate target, Cejudo couldn’t help himself from adding O’Malley and Volkanovski to the mix.
“‘Aljizzlain’ Sterling! Stay tuned. Your time is running out. May 6 is right around the corner. Go out and get your thong ready, your nice little dress ready, because I’m taking you out first!” Cejudo said. “And then I’m going after ‘Ronald MethDonald,’ that’s right! Sean O’Malley, he’s next! That dirty Q-tip. And then after that, the real goal. Once I get done with you two tuneups, I’m going after ‘Alexander the Average!’
“I want him. I do respect what he’s doing. I do respect what he’s done. But he’s stopping me from making history,” Cejudo continued. “I am the ‘Triple C.’ I’m looking to become ‘C4.’ … When that time comes, you will see a different version… I am faster, I am knowledgable, I have the tools to take you out! Continue to keep babysitting that belt, because that belt will be mine, sucker!”
While Henry Cejudo’s legacy has already been cemented in combat sports, both through his wrestling achievements and two-division champ status in the Octagon, a history-making third divisional title would certainly enhance his position among the all-time greats.
Before looking to other weights, however, Henry Cejudo has to get past 135-pound champ Sterling. “Funk Master” has reigned through two defenses to date, outpointing Petr Yan in their rematch and stopping TJ Dillashaw last October at UFC 280.