Jussier Formiga Eying Bout With Henry Cejudo
The flyweight division has always been the UFC’s most underappreciated division for whatever reason. Despite the jaw-dropping speed and unparalleled athleticism that they possess, fans just don’t seem to be as interested in the 125-pounders. However, times may be changing and not necessarily because of dominant champion Demetrious Johnson, but because of rising contender and former Olympian Henry “The Messenger” Cejudo.
Cejudo kept his unbeaten streak alive this past weekend (March 14, 2015) at UFC 185 and impressed many with his dominant decision win over former title challenger Chris Cariaso. In a contender-scarce flyweight division, Cejudo may possess the tools to challenge for the gold.
However, with Johnson defending his belt next month, “The Messenger” will likely have to win another fight before being granted a shot at the title, and their seems to be a top contender eyeing a bout a with him.
No. 4-ranked Jussier Formiga watched Cejudo’s most recent performance, and thinks that the two would make for a great fight:
“I watched him fight Cariaso, and I believe it would be a big fight and a big opportunity for me to fight an Olympic champion,” Formiga told MMAFighting.com. “It would be a great fight, no doubt about it.
“I want to fight in late May of early June. I can’t wait to get back in there. I’m getting crazy without fights [laughs]. I will fight whoever they want. I will be ready for anyone. I just want to get back in there and fight.”
Formiga is riding a two-fight win streak, but hasn’t fought since he suffered a knee injury late last year.
The Brazilian added that he was impressed with “The Messenger’s” performance against Cariaso, but went as to far to say that believes he can grapple with anyone in the division, including the decorated Olympic wrestler:
“(Cejudo) had a great performance,” Formiga said. “He fought well and dominated Cariaso, but I already expected he would do that to Cariaso after I watched (Cejudo’s) first fight in the UFC. The only guys that grappled with me were Cariaso and Zach Makovsky, and I did well against both of them. I can grapple with anyone in this division and do fine, no doubt.
“Oh, Scott (Jorgensen) also went to the ground with me. And we all saw what happened [laughs].”
At the UFC 185 post-fight press conference, UFC president Dana White basically confirmed that Cejudo would fight on the UFC’s upcoming card in Mexico on June 13, 2015. Formiga, who is coming off of the injury, says he will be ready to go in June:
“Why not?” Formiga said of fighting in Mexico. “I’m healthy, and that would be great.”
What are your thoughts on this potential flyweight title eliminator?
