Henry Cejudo won the UFC bantamweight championship then promptly retired, so the league took measures to find the next champion. Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

UFC strips Henry Cejudo of bantamweight championship

Soon after Henry Cejudo named himself the greatest combat sports competitor of all-time following his victory over Dominick Cruz at UFC 249, the reigning bantamweight champion retired from in-octagon action.

It appears the UFC took Cejudo at his word. 

On Monday, MMA Fighting's Damon Martin reported that the UFC has stripped Cejudo of his title and is looking to crown a new champion this summer. Martin added that Petr Yan is a favorite to be involved in the division's next title bout. 

Josh Nason of the Wrestling Observer wrote that Aljamain Sterling, Cory Sandhagen, and Marlon Moraes are all potential opponents for Yan. Sterling and Sandhagen are set to fight each other at UFC 250 on June 6.

Both Martin and Nason noted that many believed Cejudo's retirement was merely a negotiation tactic to increase his paydays and potentially land a lucrative fight before the end of summer. Now, however, Cejudo will be returning without a championship if he competes in the UFC again before the end of 2020. 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Yankees' Aaron Judge comments on resurgence after bad slump
Odell Beckham Jr. reveals why he was 'hesitant' to join Dolphins
Lakers reportedly interested in adding three-time All-Star via trade
Luka Doncic fed off negative reactions in Game 5 win over Thunder
Celtics finally put away undermanned Cavaliers, advance to conference finals
Avalanche force Game 6 with big third period vs. Stars
MLB announces punishment for Astros' Ronel Blanco over foreign substance
Vikings HC shares big Justin Jefferson contract update
Rafael Nadal switches gears, gives major update on French Open status
DeMar DeRozan confirms desire to return to Bulls
Mavericks defense rises to occasion in Game 5 win vs. Thunder
Steelers to make history in final two months of 2024 season
Packers will play on Thanksgiving with a rare twist in 2024
Steelers veteran reportedly plans to sit out OTAs
Padres pitcher has honest reaction to team getting booed off the field
Athletics place lefty on 15-day IL, transfer infielder to 60-day
Atlanta to be first race of NASCAR's In-Season Tournament
West Point alum made history in his MLB debut with Reds
Heat legend cautions Lakers against hiring JJ Redick
Welcome to the WNBA: Caitlin Clark sets infamous record in debut