Whilst Cejudo and Yadong continue to pressure Dana White into booking an immediate rematch, there’s more than one potential opponent out there for ‘Triple C’.
Following UFC Seattle’s controversial conclusion, Henry Cejudo called for an immediate rematch against Yadong; however, it doesn’t sound like the promotion is on board.
Well, if the UFC does decide to move away from that rematch, Henry Cejudo would like his next fight to be against a former champion who shows ‘No Mercy’ in the octagon.
- UFC SEATTLE: Merab Dvalishvili launches surprising defense of rival Henry Cejudo after eye poke controversy
Henry Cejudo targets Song Yadong rematch, or former champion next
Speaking to Bisping and Felder via the Believe You Me Podcast, Henry Cejudo teased that if his next fight isn’t against ‘The Kung Fu Kid’, he’d love to face the #2 ranked bantamweight contender.
“I would love to run it back with him [Song Yadong], but if I can’t run it back with him; I know that [Petr] Yan said that May was open – I’d love that fight with Petr Yan.
“You know what I’m saying? We could scrap it out – if my eye is going to get better then I’ll be ready by May and Song’s already had his shot at Petr Yan, so give me Petr Yan dude.”
Following the controversial end to the UFC Seattle main event, Yan revealed he’d like to return in May or June of this year as he chases another shot at bantamweight gold.
The former champion defeated Song Yadong via a unanimous decision in March 2024, after which he turned back Deiveson Figueiredo in similar fashion.
Later in the interview, ‘Triple C’ also acknowledged that a potential clash with Yan could very well represent his final fight under the UFC banner.
“I want the toughest and the greatest matches so that I can get back to the title, and that could just be my last fight; I want to fight one last time, whether I win, lose, or draw – I just want to be able to finish a fight.
“I’ll be ready within the next couple of months, I’ve just got to let this thing heal and I think we’ll be good – but if we don’t get Song, I’d love a fight against Petr Yan.”
- WHOLESOME: Petr Yan and Aljamain Sterling trade kicks as pair jokingly reignite their famous rivalry
Former foe would prefer to see Henry Cejudo retire after UFC Seattle
Whilst a whole host of UFC fighters have come out in support of Cejudo over the eye-poke controversy in Seattle, there are also those who believe it’s time for him to walk away.
In a video posted to his YouTube channel, flyweight GOAT Demetrious Johnson admitted that he’d like to see Cejudo retire from the sport of MMA.
“Now he’s on a three-fight losing streak, what is he doing next?” Johnson pondered, simply stating that he doesn’t “see the point of” Cejudo sticking around when he’s already achieved so much.
“The likelihood of Henry Cejudo getting opportunities to keep on fighting number one contenders over and over again, I just don’t see it happening. Not saying that it can’t, but I don’t see it happening.
“Would I like to see Henry Cejudo retire? Yeah, I think so. He’s beaten me, flyweight champion, defended the belt, bantamweight champion…that’s more than half of the m—–f—— on the roster are ever going to do… There’s no reason to fight and keep risking his health.”