With the exits of former UFC fighters Eddie Alvarez and Demetrious Johnson to One Championship, a confident Cejudo believes that fighters have more negotiating power than ever before.
“Well, I fight this fight, I beat T.J, and if they get rid of the division, I believe the contract is signed at 125 pounds, so there is room there, is what I am saying,” Cejudo said on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show. “I wouldn’t necessarily say (this is my last fight), I love UFC and I love being at home. I’m just saying that if the numbers aren’t played right, possibly, I would have to see the contract or what-not. But I like that people leaving only brings competition to UFC. This is good for us fighters. UFC may not want to hear it but Demetrious and Eddie Alvarez leaving, that gives us negotiations (power). It gives us more room.”
Cejudo could very well be the final UFC Flyweight Champion, especially if the UFC followed through with the alleged plans to scrap the division in 2019.
The flyweight champion would also like a third encounter with Demetrious Johnson, whom he defeated to win the flyweight strap at UFC 227.
“I still feel there is a trilogy between Henry Cejudo and Demetrious and I see that playing out in the future,” he said. “I signed a six-fight deal, but I think everything changes once they dismiss the flyweight division if that’s going to be the plan. I would have to talk to Ali but I believe there is a free agency in there, possibly.”
UFC 233 takes place on Saturday, January 26 from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California with Henry Cejudo and TJ Dillashaw headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.
