H. Cejudo (photo) wants to be the best pound-for-pound in the world. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube MMA Fighting
The current flyweight champion (up to 56,7kg.) and challenger for the vacant bantamweight title (up to 61,2kg.), Henry Cejudo stated that, if he beats the Brazilian Marlon moraes, UFC 238, this Saturday (8), wants to be the best weight for weight in the world. In a recent interview with the 'MMA Fighting' website, the athlete spoke about his expectations for this weekend's card and plans for the future in the organization.
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“Right now I have (Khabib) Nurmagomedov, Jon Jones and (Daniel) Cormier in front of me at the moment. I think I can reach the top, why not? I want this condition. I believe I can deserve it”, said the athlete.
If he defeats Marlon, the athlete will join the select group of fighters who have won two belts from the organization in different categories. An obstacle to Cejudo's achievement may be the fact that Daniel Cormier, former light heavyweight champion (up to 93kg.), and current heavyweight champion (up to 120,2kg.), currently being number one and having achieved this while still remaining active.
Regarding this Saturday's duel, Henry revealed that he has the weapons to defeat Moraes. According to the North American, he respects the Brazilian, but believes that the fighter from Nova Friburgo has never faced an opponent at his level.
“I respect Marlon. I know he believes he has the power to knock me out, but he has faced fighters, but not competitors. I am a competitor and I can find a way to beat you during the fight. He can try to knock me out or submit me, but I will find a way to defeat him”, said the flyweight champion.
For many, Cejudo is the underdog for the clash against the Friborg native. The athlete, however, states that this does not bother him and even gave the example of the victory of Fabricio Werdum about Cain Velazquez as an example that one must respect one's opponents.
“I’ve been the underdog my whole life. When you're the underdog, people don't believe you. This makes you gain more fans”, commented Henry. “Look at the example of Werdum. I never thought Werdum would beat Velasquez, because I know Cain and I saw him train. When I saw what he (Fabrício) did with Cain, it changed my entire perspective regarding fights. It’s beautiful when we prove people wrong,” he reported.
The athlete says he understands that many don't like his style. Cejudo has shown himself to be an athlete who has spiced up his promotions for clashes. In his opinion, little by little, he will be remembered as a great fighter, because, according to him, achievements generate fans in the sport.
Cejudo shocked the world for the first time in MMA by defeating the legendary Demetrious Johnson, ending a hegemony of 11 title defenses in Ultimate, which is still the company's record.
At 32 years old, the 2008 Olympic Wrestling Champion has had 15 fights in mixed martial arts, with 13 wins and two losses.
Marlon moraes, 31, has more experience in MMA. In 28 duels, the athlete triumphed on 22 occasions, suffered five defeats and has one draw in his professional career. The Friborg native comes from a streak of four straight victories in Ultimate.
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