Henry Cejudo is making his stance clear. The former UFC champion says he has no interest in continuing to follow the sport if Sean O’Malley is allowed to remain inactive while positioning himself for another bantamweight title fight.
The concern centers on a scenario where O’Malley stays on the sidelines while waiting to face the winner of a future bout between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili. That matchup is expected to take place later this year, and the outcome would determine the next champion at 135 pounds.
Issue With Sitting Out
Cejudo believes that approach undermines fighters who continue to compete against elite opposition. In particular, he pointed to Umar Nurmagomedov and Cory Sandhagen, both of whom remain near the top of the division and have taken difficult fights to stay relevant in the title race.
“You cannot just sit there and think if you just wait, surpass Umar Nurmagomedov or Cory Sandhagen just, ‘Oh yeah, I’m next. Let me just kick it and watch.’ Bro, that ain’t it,” the retired Cejudo said on his Pound 4 Pound podcast. “And if the UFC does do that, I’m f—king done watching the sport. That would be ridiculous.”
O’Malley held the bantamweight title for just over a year and recently returned with a decision win over Yadong Song at UFC 324. The victory placed him back among the division’s top names, but questions remain about whether he should immediately receive another title opportunity.
Cejudo argues that earning a title shot should require more than patience, especially in a division filled with active contenders.
Frustration Goes Beyond Matchmaking
While Cejudo’s comments focus on the UFC’s potential decision, his tone suggests deeper frustration with O’Malley’s mindset. He compared the former champion’s approach to that of past superstars who relied on star power rather than activity.
“It’s almost like Sean’s a little delusional,” Cejudo added. “He still thinks he’s a little bit of Conor (McGregor), where he wants to wait. ‘It’s alright, Merab’s got the next fight everybody.’ He really thinks he’s f—king slick as shit, because he is saying the truth. Merab really does deserve it with what he’s been able to do. ‘I’ll just wait and then I’ll get the winner,’ I say bro, it don’t work like that. What happens to f—king Umar Nurmagomedov who had the closest fight with Merab Dvalishvili? What happens if Merab loses to Petr Yan? The beef between the Russia on Russia crime. I like that stuff.”
The UFC has not confirmed its plans for the bantamweight title picture once the next championship fight concludes. Whether matchmakers prioritize activity or star recognition remains unresolved.
For Cejudo, however, the issue is already clear. Allowing one fighter to wait while others compete would cross a line he says he is not willing to accept.
