Ultimate Fighting Championship two-weight king Henry Cejudo is set to relinquish his flyweight belt.
In what could be the biggest upset of 2018, Cejudo pulled off the performance of his life at UFC 227, dethroning Demetrious Johnson, or the man regarded as the greatest flyweight off all-time.
Cejudo was being dubbed as the saviour of the flyweight class, which was on the brink of extinction that time.
The Olympic gold medalist continued to make a name for himself as he became a two-division champion after beating Marlon Moraes at UFC 238 last June, with the vacant bantamweight belt on the line.
He joined the ranks of Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, and Amanda Nunes as the only fighters to hold two different belts simultaneously.
Unfortunately, his reign in the flyweight division is coming to an end as the promotion stripped him of the title as per reports from MMA Fighting and BJPenn.com.
Leaving The Sport
The UFC is now setting its sights on a title fight at UFC Norfolk featuring top contenders Joseph Benavidez and Deiveson Figueiredo for the vacant flyweight title.
Cejudo is expected to return to action in early 2020 as he recovers from an injury he sustained from his UFC 238 fight with Moraes.
Last week, ‘Triple C’ made headlines after saying he will retire from fighting if he doesn’t get a raise from the UFC.
“I’m in this game for 100 percent money. I’m in this to make money. I’m not in this for another championship, I’m not in this for another belt.”
“My motivation — I’ve accomplished everything that I’ve wanted to accomplish.”
“There’s only one thing that’s missing. That’s a whole bunch of zeroes behind me competing and entertaining a bunch of people. That’s it.”
“I’m ok with walking away. I’m ok with leaving the sport if I have to.”
Financial Thing
Cejudo plans to talk to Dana White about his financial concerns and if they do not come to terms, he said he will start another career outside fighting.
“I do have a number in mind, but that’s between me and my boss. Like I said before, I respect Dana White, I respect what they’ve done, the organization.”
“I’m very grateful for what they’ve done and everything, but this is a financial thing for me.”
“If we just can’t come to terms, then best of luck to both divisions, and a bunch of silver medalists and bronze medalists can fight for the belts.”
“I’m good, man. I’m a smart guy, I do public speaking. I want to get into real estate. I want to get into a bunch of other things.”
“My life doesn’t just revolve around fighting. I want to do so many other things.”
“There’s a whole other aspect of Triple C and Henry Cejudo.”
(Featured Image Source: Instagram/ Henry Cejudo)