Report: Henry Cejudo stripped of flyweight title

The Flyweight division in the UFC is set for a shake up as former double champ Henry Cejudo has been stripped of his Flyweight title. The news was broken by BJPenn.com then later confirmed by Ariel Helwani.

There has been a lot of uncertainty over the future of the Flyweight division after the UFC traded former champ Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson for One FC’s Ben Askren earlier this year. But it seems that a fight is being targeted between Joseph Benavidez and Deiveson Figueiredo for the vacant Flyweight strap at UFC Norfolk.

Former champ Cejudo beat Demetrious Johnson in 2018 in a bout that ended in a split decision. He then went onto defend that title against TJ Dillashaw knocking him out early in the first round. Dillashaw got busted for PEDs in the aftermath of that fight so ‘The Messenger’ moved up to Bantamweight to challenge for the vacant title which was held by Dillashaw. 

The move up in weight was a successful one for the American as he was victorious over Marlon Moreas by 3rd round TKO at UFC 238. This was the last time Cejudo competed in the octagon as he was struck down with a shoulder issue which needed surgery. His inability to defend both titles, and the fact he is chasing a fight with Jose Aldo at 135 pounds forced the UFC to make the decision to strip him of the Flyweight strap. 

Benavidez (28-5) fighting out of Sacramento, California has had no less than 18 fights under the UFC banner is currently riding a 3 fight win streak and is ranked at #1 in the Flyweight division. Figueiredo (17-1), who is ranked at #3 has only one blemish on his record is coming off an impressive first round submission over Tim Elliot. The Brazilian currently has a 2 fight win streak.