The flyweight division in the UFC has always been problematic to sell despite harboring dominant champions like Demetrious Johnson. A dominant champ, in most cases, brings more eyes to the division, but unfortunately that hasn’t been the case for the 125 lbs category. Touching upon the concerning state of the flyweight division, former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov offered a solution for Dana White to fix the ailing problem.
The retired mixed martial artist has members on his camp waiting to break into the 125 lbs rank. Witnessing the lack of fan intrigue in the 125 lbs has forced ‘Eagle’ to contemplate a solution. Speaking with Henry Cejudo, the 36-year-old fighter stated the reigning champion, Alexander Pantoja, is out of options after beating Kai Asakura. This leaves just one big name, Cejudo, who can take up the mantle to save the flyweight division.
There is no other option for Pantoja, there’s no fight. I think, I think, if they want some big fight for this weight classes they have to meet, Cejudo, Pantoja it’s like big.
Khabib Nurmagomedov via Exclusive interview for Pound 4 Pound with Kamaru and Henry
Nurmagomedov believes Pantoja’s dominant run in the 125 lbs division is his undoing. Multiple wins over the majority of the top-ranked fighters have put the Brazilian in need of a big challenge. Cejudo agreed with the notion and suggested that he flirted with the idea of moving down. The former two-weight champion’s run at bantamweight has run into a wall with a string of losses. Booking the former flyweight champion’s return against Pantoja might turn out to be a PPV success.
Cejudo’s last outing at flyweight saw him dispatch Tj Dillashaw at Fight Night 143 in 2019. Since then, ‘Triple C’ has only competed in the bantamweight class with no intentions of dropping down. It looks like fans can once again witness the flyweight version of Cejudo that beat ‘Mighty Mouse’ in his prime. More likely, another flyweight contender will get the next shot, as champion Pantoja is eyeing other challenges.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s solution is to wait as champion alerts Dana White for his likely next opponents
The Brazilian in his post-fight interview called for a clash against Demetrious Johnson. In response, the retired fighter made it clear that he wasn’t keen on making a return. This leaves room for fellow contenders in the 125 lbs division who are vying for a title shot. The champion seems to have settled on a few names in particular for his fourth title defense.
Alexandre Pantoja notifies Dana White of his preferred challengers over Khabib Nurmagomedov’s suggestion (Image via Open Source)Speaking with Sky Sport NZ, leading up to UFC 310, Pantoja touched on Kiwi fighter Kai Kara France. The duo has faced each other once in the TUF house, which saw Pantoja walking away with a win. Now, years removed from their first outing, both men have evolved into completely different fighters, something the champion agrees with.
I believe Kai Kara France has 100% have the chance to fight for the belt. And I hope I am the guy to fight with him, you know? I hope to hold this belt to have the opportunity to fight with Kai Kara France.
Alexandre Pantoja via exclusive interview for Sky Sports NZ
There is another name in two-time flyweight champion, Deiveson Figueiredo, who threw his name in the hat to fight Pantoja next. Responding to his former foe, the flyweight champion made it quite clear that he would love to avenge his loss to Figueiredo. The former champion’s move to bantamweight has run off course with a loss to Petr Yan. Aside from Cejudo, UFC boss Dana White can book this mega-fight to save the dying flyweight division.
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