Former UFC double-champion Henry Cejudo has called out UFC Mexico main event loser Brandon Moreno for a fight.
In a YouTube video on February 26, "Triple C" recounted how he played a pivotal role in Moreno's journey. Cejudo detailed how he not only provided food and accommodations for his Mexican friend but also played a crucial role in securing Moreno a spot on the 24th season of The Ultimate Fighter.
"2016 --- Brandon Moreno was training with me to help me beat Demetrious Johnson," Cejudo explained. ".... I've always opened up my home for this dude."
Despite initial plans for Cejudo to coach Moreno, circumstances led to him being coached by his rival Joseph Benavidez. This twist led to a positive relationship between Moreno and Benavidez. Although Moreno expressed the desire to remain neutral, Cejudo caught wind that Moreno was assisting Benavidez in preparing to beat Cejudo in the TUF Finale.
"I discover about a month out that the dude's [Moreno] been training in Denver, Colorado, with Joseph Benavidez... to help Joseph Benavidez beat me!" Cejudo exclaimed. "I was a guy who opened up my home, not just for him but also his family. .... To me that's when it somewhat became personal."
Cejudo named the Vegas Sphere as the venue of choice for his grudge match:
"The Mexican-American vs. the True Mexican, and they come together, and they do a five-round showdown at the sphere in Las Vegas for Mexican Independence Day. .... Are you a Mexi-can, or a Mexi-can't?"
The Vegas Sphere will be playing host to UFC 306, which was announced by the UFC on February 24. It will take place on September 14 and will be the promotion's second 'Noche UFC' card. No bouts have been announced yet.
Cejudo's call out isn't out of nowhere, as Moreno called out "The Messenger" for a fight way back in May 2023. "The Assassin Baby" urged Cejudo not to retire after losing to Sterling.
“Henry Cejudo don’t retire yet, please wait for me, I’m going to win my fight in July and then we can finish business, main event in Mexico City, I go to 135 lbs, f**k belts, just you and me in the Octagon!!”
As for the weight class, the fight would require a move from either man. Cejudo would have to drop down to flyweight, or Moreno would venture up to bantamweight.
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