Henry Cejudo believes one hypothetical UFC matchup would surpass the fanfare of Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall subsequent yr.
2025 figures to be one other monumental yr within the Octagon for the UFC brass, fighters, and followers. A number of high-profile matchups are already on tap for UFC 311, together with the UFC light-weight title conflict between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan.
The UFC is in energetic negotiations between UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones and interim titleholder Tom Aspinall for a 2025 conflict. Jones most not too long ago defended the heavyweight belt at UFC 309 and regardless of teasing retirement, he pivoted on that stance after ending Stipe Miocic.
Followers proceed to clamor for the UFC to e-book the Jones vs. Aspinall battle, which Dana White has already referred to as the most important heavyweight conflict within the promotion’s historical past. However for Henry Cejudo, a possible champion vs. champion tremendous battle may surpass the intrigue surrounding Jones vs. Aspinall.
Henry Cejudo: Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria is the UFC’s largest doable blockbuster
Throughout a current episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Cejudo made a daring declare a couple of potential Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria showdown.
“Personally, I consider this battle could possibly be doubtlessly greater than Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall,” Cejudo mentioned of Makhachev vs. Topuria. “Competitively, after all. And it’s not simply that, it’s the straightforward indisputable fact that Ilia Topuria has an opportunity to grow to be champ-champ.
“At heavyweight it’s about who’s the undisputed champion. However on this place, if Ilia does win, that places him within the class of…individuals will give him his flowers.”
Topuria not too long ago introduced a deliberate transfer to light-weight versus defending the featherweight belt for his subsequent battle. A rematch with Alexander Volkanovski was proposed after his latest win over Max Holloway, but it surely’s unsure if that’ll maintain.
Topuria and Makhachev have traded barbs within the media over the past yr. If Makhachev will get previous Tsarukyan of their UFC 311 rematch, a conflict with Topuria may make sense for each side.
Topuria claimed he’ll grow to be the first fighter to submit Makhachev in his UFC profession. Makhachev’s lone defeat was by knockout in opposition to Adriano Martins at UFC 192.
Ilia Topuria concentrating on light-weight transfer in 2025
Topuria’s potential addition to the UFC light-weight addition is an intriguing storyline heading into 2025. Makhachev has retained the belt in opposition to a lot of the high contenders, and Topuria can be a contemporary problem for the titleholder.
Topuria competed at light-weight as soon as throughout his UFC tenure, a come-from-behind end of Jai Herbert in March 2022. He’s undefeated in his profession with featherweight wins over Josh Emmett, Bryce Mitchell, and Ryan Corridor.
If Topuria fulfills his promise to maneuver to light-weight, a conflict with Makhachev could possibly be on the horizon. Makhachev and Topuria’s superstardom makes Cejudo consider it’s a much bigger battle than Jones vs. Aspinall.
- READ MORE: Brock Lesnar went to crazy lengths to avoid ‘jitters’ in UFC debut: ‘It’s a different game’
Associated Posts
