Not everyone was on board with the UFC’s decision to give Jose Aldo a title fight with bantamweight champ, Henry Cejudo. But, following a period where Alexander Volkanovski has traded verbal shots with Cejudo, the champ’s warned the wrestler about looking past the legend.
Volkanovski weighs-in on Cejudo vs. Aldo
Recently it was confirmed that Aldo is going to challenge Cejudo at UFC 250, May 9th. The booking wasn’t welcomed by all, however, since Aldo is coming off a decision loss to Marlon Moraes in December. But, since Cejudo believes Aldo actually won the bout, he pushed for a fight with the legendary featherweight. Dana White liked the idea, and the fight is a go (the UFC President has since told critics to not watch).
Well, recently Volkanovski was asked to weigh-in on the upcoming bout, while in attendance at UFC 248. The new featherweight champ said this (quote via MMA Junkie).
“Obviously, Aldo’s got a couple of losses – but he’s still in good nick. I still think he’s a tough fight for Cejudo, as well, so I hope Cejudo isn’t taking that fight lightly,” Volkanovski said. “Aldo’s no joke. I don’t even know how old he is, but even at the age he is now, he’s still moving really well. I still think Aldo can get it done.
“I don’t know. I’ll definitely watch. I’ll be interested to see. I think Aldo can actually get it done.”
Yup. Volkanovski isn’t the first person to express a view like this. While Aldo isn’t the force he once was, he still has fast and powerful hands, great wrestling defense, and he’ll also have size and reach on Cejudo. So, the former champ-champ would be wise to not look past the legend.
Volkanovski tells Cejudo he’d regret fighting him
Not long ago, Cejudo fired a warning shot at Volkanovski, by relaying on social media that he wants to add the 145 title to his decorated resume. So, not surprisingly, Volkanovski was also asked to comment on Cejudo’s callout. The Australian fighter said ths:
“Henry, he’s going to do his thing and talk and get his name and try to stay relevant and all that – and good on him,” Volkanovski said. “But if that happens, and he fights, and we do face each other in the octagon, he’ll regret calling me out pretty quick.”
It would be fascinating to see if Cejudo could make history by winning a third, division’s title. But, in reality, it’s hard to imagine the UFC going this route anytime soon. Volkanovski has several contenders waiting in the wings at 145, as does Cejudo at 135.
Currently, the expectation is that a rematch with the former champ Max Holloway, who Volkanovski beat in December, will be next for the new champion.
More About:Sports