Henry Cejudo returns to the cage to attempt reclaiming his UFC bantamweight title at UFC 288, but veteran Pedro Munhoz questions the logic in granting Cejudo a shot at the gold after a long period of inactivity.
Henry Cejudo announced his retirement from the sport after defending the UFC bantamweight title against Dominick Cruz in 2020. However, he makes a return to the cage 1097 days later, attempting to re-claim the title at UFC 288 on May 6. Despite Cejudo’s previous accomplishments as a flyweight and bantamweight champion, Pedro Munhoz, a veteran with 18 octagon appearances, questions the logic of granting Cejudo a shot at the gold after such a long period of inactivity.
Munhoz, who is set to face Chris Gutierrez at UFC Kansas City show on April 15, shared his thoughts on the matter during a recent episode of the Trocação Franca podcast. He said, “With Henry Cejudo and all that time away, retired, to return for the belt, there’s no logic in that. There’s no logic whatsoever. I know he was the [flyweight] champion and then bantamweight champion so apparently it’s a fight that sells, apparently both guys have big influence in the organization.” Munhoz added that he believes a fight between Sean O’Malley and Aljamain Sterling would make more sense, given O’Malley’s recent win against Petr Yan.
Although Munhoz lost a decision to Sterling on the night Cejudo won the 135-pound belt in 2019, he disagrees with UFC’s decision to give Cejudo another shot at the title. However, he admits, “I won’t waste my time and energy” with something that doesn’t concern him. Ultimately, Munhoz predicts Sterling will beat Cejudo in their Newark, NJ, match-up. “I think Henry Cejudo and all that time away, out of shape, that could make the big difference after three rounds. I see Aljamain Sterling as the strong favorite,” Munhoz said, praising Sterling’s physical strength and conditioning, while acknowledging their different fighting styles.