Henry Cejudo has some big plans for his eventual return to UFC action in 2023. Cejudo walked away from the sport back in 2020 after having won both the promotion’s flyweight and bantamweight championships, holding them simultaneously. He became just one of a short list of fighters to have been able to accomplish such an achievement.
However, years later, with Aljamain Sterling now sitting atop the bantamweight throne, “Triple C” apparently has the itch to get back into the Octagon and reclaim the title he never lost. As it turns out, it seems that Sterling isn’t the only person Cejudo has on his list of desired opponents when he gets back to Octagon action.
Henry Cejudo Has Big Plans For UFC Return
Cejudo recently did an interview with The Schmo to preview his return to the UFC. When asked when he believes he’ll fight Sterling, Cejudo noted that he’s ready to go as soon as February. However, the ball seems to be in Sterling’s court, who he believes is trying to delay the eventual matchup.
“I’m not sure if Sterling is going to be ready. I’m already ready, man. Even in February I’d be ready to go. But I’m just not sure if Sterling is – I’m not sure if he wants to give up the belt just quite yet. We’re looking at March, but I’m okay with whatever date at this point, cause I’m only getting better.
“I got the best engineers coming out, I got my strength and conditioning coach coming from Cincinnati, I’ve had other position coaches come out here. I’m a spoiled little brat when it comes to my training and that’s the reason I’m the best in the world. I’m excited to show the fans and the people – and to myself, I’m excited to prove to myself what it is that I can do.”
The bantamweight title isn’t the only thing Cejudo is eying either. Cejudo adds that after Sterling, he wants a fight with Sean O’Malley, the rising star of the 135-pound division. After that, the former Olympian wants to make history and chase a third belt in the featherweight division – standing alone amongst anyone else to have ever competed in the sport.
“I’m not going to be a one and out type of guy, I’m looking to fight O’Malley after this. Then after that I’m looking to win a third weight class. I think I’ve earned it, I think I deserve it. I think what I’m going to end up doing here is something that’s never been done. I’m just excited Schmo. I’m just excited to prove to the world that I can come back after a three-year layoff and remain king.”