The Bantamweight title picture is now clear after UFC 238's main event crowned a new champ Saturday night.
Former Bantamweight Champion TJ Dillashaw had an extremely unsuccessful run at Flyweight that resulted in a knockout, but the nightmare didn't end there. In relation to his loss to Henry Cejudo, he also failed a drug test for EPO, and vacated his title. This paved the way for Flyweight Champ Cejudo to move up and take on consensus top contender Marlon Moraes at UFC 238.
Putting it together!@HenryCejudo is throwing BIG rights! #UFC238 pic.twitter.com/mjRVFMn9cO
— UFC (@ufc) June 9, 2019
Moraes opened up extremely successful in the first round by sawing away at the rumored-to-be-injured legs of Cejudo. It took away several of the Olympic Gold Medalist Cejudo's tools, but Moraes played right into the one he had left -- fighting in the pocket and clinch. This led to Cejudo slugging Moraes with huge knees, overhands and hooks in round two.
DOUBLE CHAMP! @HenryCejudo #UFC238 pic.twitter.com/gsFpDN2KCw
— UFC (@ufc) June 9, 2019
Things didn't get any better for Moraes after that. He was taken to the ground and completely mauled Moraes on his way to a third round stoppage.
DOUBLE CHAMP! @HenryCejudo #UFC238 pic.twitter.com/gsFpDN2KCw
— UFC (@ufc) June 9, 2019
After the fight, Cejudo admitted that he severely sprained his ankle the week of the fight, as rumored. Cejudo also proclaimed himself the greatest combat athlete in the world, dubbing himself "Triple C" for his Olympic Gold Medal championship and two UFC Championships.
#AndNew bantamweight champion of the --! @HenryCejudo #AndNew pic.twitter.com/PifRgbHhGP
— UFC (@ufc) June 9, 2019
For reasons unknown, Cejudo then called out Dominick Cruz, Cody Garbrandt and Urijah Faber -- all fighters who haven't won since 2016.
You can see Fightful's full, live coverage of UFC 238 at this link, and check out our live post-show podcast at this link. We'll also recap the event on Tuesday's Fightful MMA Podcast at 2 PM EST.
