Henry Cejudo beat the only Flyweight champion of the UFC Demetrius ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson via a split decision today and ended his dominance over the division by snapping a streak of 11 consecutive title defenses in the co main event of UFC 227.
The Olympic Gold medalist and the new Flyweight champion was asked about his keys to victory in beating an opponent who had finished him previously in the first round at UFC 197.
“It’s a true testimony of an underdog,” Cejudo said. “I lasted the first fight with Demetrious Johnson two minutes and 36 seconds, and I felt like it was going that way in the very first round too. Those calf kicks, really I couldn’t plant. I was forced to switch southpaw, but it actually helped me. Before all this, I said in order for me to beat Demetrious, it had to be with distance, timing, and composure. And that’s exactly how we took this fight. He got to my legs and that was okay. I wanted Demetrious to work.
“I think it was patience,” he continued when asked to elaborate further. “I think that was key, and timing, and not allowing a lot of his movement to disorient me. Because he moves a lot, he’s super hard to hit. He’s got a tiny head, like somehow it’s big from the back, but his face, it’s small. So when you fight Demetrious, it’s a small target.
“He’s unlike any other flyweight and I think that was the difference. Like, I’ve got to wait for my opportunity. I might have to get hit a couple of times to give a good hard blow and then transition to my wrestling.”
Cejudo post fight called out the champion of the Bantamweight division T.J. Dillashaw in a super fight. It remains to be seen if UFC grants that request.
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