UFC 227 is shaping up to be a card of epic rematches as pound-for-pound #1 UFC flyweight king Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson might defend his belt for the twelfth time in a rematch against former Olympic freestyle wrestling gold medalist Henry ‘the Messenger’ Cejudo.
The news was first revealed by Ariel Helwani. The UFC were working on a super fight between Johnson and current UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw. The fight was not materialized as Johnson reportedly was recovering from a surgery. Also Dana White didn’t liked Johnson’s demand of a $2 million payday. (via Twitter):
UFC is close to finalizing Demetrious Johnson vs Henry Cejudo 2 for UFC 227 in LA on August 4, sources say. Not officially signed yet but very much moving in that direction.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 6, 2018
Also if Helwani is to be believed, Cejudo was the front runner to get the title shot if the super fight was not materialized, contender Jussier Formiga’s name was also brought up. “Cejudo was the top choice if the Dillashaw fight didn’t materialize”, said Helwani.
Cejudo has looked phenomenal in his last two fights. He’s coming off a magnificent second round TKO of former title challenger Wilson Reis at UFC 215 and a unanimous decision victory over prospect Sergio Pettis at UFC 218 making his title shot inevitable.
Johnson on the other hand is coming off one of his best performances ever as he submitted Ray Borg via armbar from a suplex at UFC 216. The victory gave him the all-time UFC record for consecutive title defenses (11), after legend Anderson Silva.
UFC 227 is headlined by a rematch between champion TJ Dillashaw and Cody ‘No Love’ Garbrandt.
Read also:
UFC: Henry Cejudo’s manager Ali Abdelaziz teases second Demetrious Johnson fight in 2018
UFC: Tyron Woodley wants to fight at UFC 227, not concerned about opponent
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