A review of all the top stories pertaining to UFC news this week!
UFC News: July 15-19
Justin Gaethje vs. Donald Cerrone
Following a loss to Tony Ferguson at UFC 238 just over a month ago, Cowboy already has his next opponent booked; Justin Gaethje. Cerrone posted this to Instagram on Wednesday.
Just a few hours following that post, Gaethje vs. Cerrone was announced as the headliner for UFC Vancouver on September 14th.
Subjectivity in journalism may be frowned upon but this should be an absolute work of art. Cerrone and Gaethje are not only two of the most exciting 155 pounders on the planet, they are two of the most exciting fighters period. Both of these men have enjoyed an incredible rise over the past year. Now, they will share the cage together as both hope to put their names even higher in title conversation.
Brian Ortega vs. Korean Zombie
At the UFC Summer Press Conference, Dana White was asked about the Mexico City card on September 21st and he released more information than usual.
After White revealed that Brian Ortega would fight in Mexico City, the people speculated who Ortega would dance with. Maybe Zabit Magomedsharipov or Jose Aldo? No and no. Chan Sung Jung, “the Korean Zombie” is the correct answer. After beating Renato Moicano in the first round and leap frogging many in the featherweight division, Korean Zombie lined himself up for a big fight and that big fight is the headliner of Mexico City. The winner will keep himself in the upper echelon of the rankings.
Henry Cejudo: Flyweight First
Morning Report: Dana White says Henry Cejudo needs to defend his flyweight title next (@jedkmeshew) https://t.co/87VJgdFBa3 pic.twitter.com/SRN6bVLT0n
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) July 17, 2019
In news that is surprising to some and disappointing to others (insert Petr Yan and Aljamain Sterling), Henry Cejudo will return to the flyweight division to defend his title before defending his newly acquired bantamweight belt. This is all according to Dana White, who said, “he should defend that title first,” when asked about Cejudo’s next move. A flyweight title that would likely pin Cejudo up against Joseph Benavidez, who he lost to in 2016 by split decision. Benavidez has won his last three and earned two performance bonuses in the process. For him, this would be his third shot at UFC gold. The first two did not go his way, losing both to Demetrious Johnson.
The extensive question of the flyweight division may be put to rest after this fight. With Benavidez and Cejudo being far superior to the rest of the division, this fight may be the last flyweight title fight we see. Cejudo has already made a successful debut at 135 pounds and would have no problem making that his new home. Benavidez could follow suit and if the two biggest draws at 125 pounds move up, Dana White may finally fold his prolonged hope of the flyweight division remaining apart of the UFC.
Thiago Santos’ Surgery
After his first 25 minute fight at UFC 239 where he fell just short of UFC gold, Thiago Santos was plagued with a variety of severe injuries. He tore his ACL, MCL, PCL, suffered a left meniscus tear and a partial tear in his right knee, Santos is now sidelined for the rest of the year and possibly beyond. After his surgery, Santos went to Twitter reassuring MMA fans that he will indeed be back.
“ after 4 hours of surgery, the drs say everything is fixed! Now my focus is on a full recovery so I can get back in there better and stronger!” @Alexdavismma @ufc @espnmma pic.twitter.com/9juj12FrqK
— Thiago Marreta (@TMarretaMMA) July 18, 2019
Whenever he returns, Santos looks to be a staple at the top of the 205 pound division for the foreseeable future and hopes to get a second chance at a UFC belt.
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