UFC Flyweight Champion Henry Cejudo won the gold when he picked up a split decision win over Demetrious Johnson at UFC 227.
Most champions lose their UFC titles while competing in the Octagon, but Cejudo lost his while on a flight to Moscow, Russia.
“Unfortunately, my belt is in my luggage,” Cejudo told MMA Junkie. “So now, on top of my gold medal, now it’s my belt. I don’t know what it is about gold. I can’t keep it.”
It is unknown if Cejudo has gotten the belt back at this time, who also lost his Olympic gold medals due to a wildfire that destroyed them and the fighters home last year.
Cejudo knows that the material possessions aren’t as important as the memories that lead to winning the medal and the UFC gold.
“Let’s be honest, material comes and goes,” Cejudo said. “It’s the memories, it’s the legacy that comes with being a champion. I’m going to get a gold medal back. I’m going to get a belt back. But it’s the memories that come with that that makes it special.”
The flyweight champion has been calling for a bout against UFC Bantamweight Champion TJ Dillashaw, but nothing has been made official at this time.
A short time after this story was posted, a happy Cejudo got his belt back and psoted the following on Instagram:
