Welcome to Midnight Mania!
When Henry Cejudo walks in to fight Aljamain Sterling on Saturday (May 6, 2023) at UFC 288 from inside the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, it will be three days shy of three years since his last fight. Cejudo portrayed Dominick Cruz and then retired as the champ, but it didn’t take long for “The Messenger” to start talking about a possible return.
His return was not actually scheduled until the opening to fight Sterling was achieved. Why? From the former double champion’s point of view, Sterling is “easy money,” though Cejudo has to be careful about what happened the last time he used that phrase.
“[I came back] Cejudo said Wednesday at UFC 288 media day (trans MMA fighting). “I’ve watched these guys fight after they’ve coached some of the best players in the world – [Jon] Jones, Demetrius Johnson, Zhang Weili, Davison Figueiredo, Jerry Prochazka – I began to understand my talent a little more.
“I know there’s a window. I know there’s a gap where I have to say goodbye. I’m 36 or 36, and I feel good. I feel really good. I love a challenge. I love that people are going to doubt me. I think That’s another reason I come back, too. I like being the underdog like I’ve been my whole life, and I think that’s why. And I personally think jamin’s really bad.”
This is the reason for Sejudo’s return, but what will be the future of the Olympian? For years now, he’s been aiming for a fourth belt, the one that rests on Aleksandr Volkanovsky’s shoulder. “The Great” is one of the best fighters alive, and the exact kind of challenge Cejudo would like C4 to become.
Before that, however, he wants to beat Sean O’Malley, who is presumably next in line for a shot at the Bantamweight title.
“I wouldn’t mind making a couple of adjustments before I take on Aleksander Volkanovski,” said Cejudo. “Sean O’Malley, he’s that shitty Q-tip, he’s a premium brat. I think we all know that, and I’m going to hurt him. But first and foremost, the jammin first. I know he’s self-assured, but I know deep down he respects me a lot. He’ll see that.” The competitor as soon as he locks the cage, he’ll look me in the eye and he’ll see what I’m made of. Sean O’Malley is next and I love that fight. I love the fact that he’s tall, I love the fact that he’s popular, and I’m going to hurt that guy.
“immediately [after UFC 288]I want O’Malley. “
insomnia
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