UFC Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja isn't buying former two-division king Henry Cejudo's talk of a return to 125 pounds next year.
Cejudo's comeback from a short-lived retirement hasn't gone to plan thus far. "Triple C" has gone 0-2 at bantamweight since returning three years on from his successful title defense opposite Dominick Cruz.
After narrowly falling short of immediately regaining the crown against Aljamain Sterling in May 2023, Cejudo failed to stake his claim for another opportunity when he battled Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 298 this past February.
Having now slipped down the pecking order at 135 pounds, the 2008 Olympic gold medalist plans to take his pursuit of another stint as UFC champ back down to flyweight.
In the summer, Cejudo provided an update on his current status, noting that an injury has been keeping him on the sidelines. When he is healthy and ready to make the walk again, he seemingly expects to do so as part of the division he ruled over after unseating the great Demetrious Johnson in 2018.
During a recent interview with MMA Junkie's Danny Segura, Pantoja reacted to Cejudo's apparent plans to cut down for another title run at flyweight.
Suffice to say, the champ has his doubts...
When you go to the surgery doctor, yeah, he needs (liposuction) to make the weight," Pantoja said jokingly. "I don’t think he can make the weight again. He’s too big. I’d love the opportunity. If Cejudo can do that, I’ll give him five pounds to fight. It will be a dream to fight with Cejudo, of course. He’s a legend.
For now, Pantoja will have his full attention on a different name set to arrive in the division.
In Kai Asakura, "The Cannibal" is scheduled to meet a former Rizin champion who has his sights on a memorable first foray into the Octagon at UFC 310 on Dec. 7.