Coach Prefers Henry Cejudo Rematch Joseph Benavidez, Forget Vacant Bantamweight Title

UFC flyweight champion Henry Cejudo's coach prefers he rematch Joseph Benavidez next instead of chase the vacant 135-pound title.

UFC flyweight champion Henry Cejudo has a lot of options for his next fight inside the Octagon. Initially, it was a foregone conclusion that “The Messenger” would challenge TJ Dillashaw for the 135-pound title next. However, with Dillashaw relinquishing the title due to a recent “adverse finding” in his drug test, plans have changed.

Of course, Cejudo might be able to get the fight for the vacant title next. However, Cejudo’s coach, Eric Albarracin, tells MMA Junkie Radio that he’d rather see Cejudo defend his title in a rematch with Joseph Benavidez:

“I don’t like just winning a vacant title,” Albarracin said. “To tell you the truth, I’d like to serve up some sweet revenge to Joe Benavidez. That was Henry’s last loss, so there’s a rivalry there.

“Those guys really were enemies on that show, and we ended up losing a very, very close decision. I would love to get that back, and this time, we won’t leave it to the judges.”

After suffering the first loss of his mixed martial arts (MMA) career to Demetrious Johnson back in April of 2016, Cejudo faced Benavidez the following December. The pair fought to a split decision that saw Benavidez leave victorious. The decision was a controversial one, but Cejudo proceeded to have a two fight-win streak before going on to defeat Johnson in their rematch this past summer.

Now, Cejudo might have the opportunity to avenge the only other loss on his MMA record.

Who do you think Cejudo should fight next now that Dillashaw has been suspended?

Related News

Top Stories

UFC Store

Nassourdine Imavov Clear On What Awaits Him After ‘Cleaning Out’ UFC Middleweight Division: ‘Next Is The Belt’

UFC middleweight contender Nassourdine Imavov has no doubt that a first championship opportunity should...

Tom Aspinall Reacts To Lackluster Pavlovich vs. Rozenstruik: ‘These Heavyweight Fights Absolutely Stink!’

Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall was among those unimpressed by Sergei Pavlovich's decision...

Michael Bisping Says ‘Israel Adesanya’s Time At The Top Is Done’ After UFC Saudi Arabia Defeat

Israel Adesanya aimed to get his career back on track in his latest fight...

Michael Page Open To Going One Further After Middleweight Win At UFC Saudi Arabia: ‘Fight Someone Like Jiří…’

UFC welterweight contender Michael "Venom" Page doesn't think his ability to compete with the...

Francis Ngannou Sends Supportive Message To Israel Adesanya After Third Straight Loss At UFC Saudi Arabia

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has told friend Israel Adesanya to keep his...

‘That’s How The Game Goes’ – Israel Adesanya Watches Back Knockout Loss To Nassourdine Imavov

Israel Adesanya sought to get his career back on track in his latest fight...

Shara Magomedov Puts UFC Saudi Arabia Loss Down To ‘Nightmarish Health Condition’ He Fought Through

UFC middleweight Shara Magomedov has claimed to have competed in Saudi Arabia in spite...

UFC’s Bryce Mitchell Releases Statement Addressing Backlash To Hitler Comments: ‘I’m Definitely Not A Nazi’

Bryce Mitchell has released a statement in response to the massive backlash he has...

Khabib, Makhachev, & Other Fighters React As Nassourdine Imavov Knocks Out Israel Adesanya At UFC Saudi Arabia

In the biggest fight of his life, Nassourdine Imavov has come through -- and...