Henry Cejudo has defeated all-star fighters like Demetrious Johnson, Marlon Moraes and T.J. Dillashaw, and has one of the most impressive resumes going in all of MMA. But, according to Dominick Cruz, he’s already defeated tougher opponents to date.

Cruz claims he’s sending Cejudo back to flyweight

Cruz will challenge Cejudo for the bantamweight title in the co-headliner of UFC 249, which is going down this Saturday in Jacksonville, Florida. Originally, Cejudo was set to battle Jose Aldo on May 9th, but the coronavirus pandemic forced the UFC to make other plans.

The fighters weren’t really known as rivals in the past. But, as this Saturday’s bout neared, tensions have ratcheted up. Case in point, during a recent media call to promote UFC 249, Cruz had this to say about facing Cejudo (quote via MMA Junkie).

“I think the win over T.J. will mean more because T.J. Dillashaw is a true bantamweight, and Henry is still a ’25er,” Cruz said.

“Realistically this isn’t going to be as tough of a fight as T.J. – I know that. He’ll go back to his division after I beat him.”

Now, does Cruz really believe that? In terms of Dillashaw being a tougher fight? He very well might. Cejudo boosters will point out that he quickly took out Dillashaw, whereas Cruz beat the latter via decision. 

But, Dillashaw moved down to 125 pounds for his bout with Cejudo. Leading up to that fight, there was extensive talk about whether Dillashaw was depleted, on account of the weight cut.

Further, Cruz will have a larger size and reach advantage over Cejudo than he did against Dillashaw. Does that mean Cejudo will be an easier fight though? We shall see right?

One of the greatest achievements ever?

On Saturday, Cruz will be competing for the first time since 2016, when he lost to Cody Garbrandt. Since then, the former champ has been sidelined again with a rash of injuries.

As a result, there’s no question that if Cruz does win the UFC’s 135 crown again, it will be a massive, comeback story.

But how big of a story will it be? Cruz had this to say during the call.

“It ranks up there as another history-making fight for me,” Cruz said. “But I really look at this different than belts and everything like that.

It’s really how you can make a difference in these times with this platform. I can make a difference in these times.”

“It equals up to anything that’s ever been done in sports, period,” Cruz said. “That’s how you become legendary in this thing. I’ve already done legendary things in this division and in the sport.

More than half my fights are title fights. Just with the murderers how I’ve faced. … To come back after a layoff when no one gives you a shot and beat up a 125er, it’s going to be fun.”

Yup. If Cruz does retake the title, his case for being the greatest bantamweight of all time will be that much stronger.

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