While the UFC’s indefinite postponement of events means title pictures aren’t going to change much over the coming weeks, the brief pause in action does allow for some assessment.
Of come particular interest is the promotion’s 135-pound division, where Henry Cejudo currently reigns as champion, earning him the No. 1 spot on the USA TODAY/MMA Junkie bantamweight rankings. “Triple C,” of course, was expected to face former UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo at next month’s UFC 250 in Brazil. However, travel restrictions implemented as a response to the ongoing global pandemic ruled Aldo – who sits at No. 5 in the featherweight list – out of the event when it was expected to be relocated to the U.S.
While it’s still not certain if the May 9 event will carry on at all, with the UFC being asked to stand down for the time being by their broadcast partners at ESPN and Disney, UFC president Dana White has stated that’s the day he hops to get his organization back in action
In the meantime, former UFC champion Dominick Cruz, who is currently not ranked due to having more than 24 months of inactivity, appears to be the leading candidate for Cejudo. Former lightweight champ Frankie Edgar, who’s currently No. 9 at featherweight, has also volunteered his services, and Cejudo seems to like the idea of facing fighters who have previously held the belt. However, ranked bantamweight contenders such as No. 3 Aljamain Sterling, No. 4 Petr Yan and No. 5 Cory Sandhagen each believe they are deserving of a look, as well.
Plenty of options for the “King of Cringe,” though it seems Cruz has the inside track. Is he the most deserving?
