Check out BloodyElbow.com’s recap of the UFC 197 co-main event between UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson and Henry Cejudo.
UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson continued his cleaning out of the 125-pound division in the co-main event of UFC 197 on Saturday night when he finished Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo early in the first round. Mighty Mouse’s TKO over Cejudo marked his eighth successful title defense since capturing the inaugural belt in 2012.
What was the high point of this fight?
The champion’s clinch game was the high point of this fight. Cejudo was able to land a takedown but it didn’t take long for Johnson to get back to his feet and clinch with the challenger. Johnson landed a handful of devastating knees and punches that took the life right out of Cejudo, who, after getting struck to the liver, fell to the canvas resulting in a quick TKO win for Mighty Mouse.
Where do these two go from here?
Johnson has essentially cleaned out the 125-pound division. A trilogy fight with Joseph Benavidez, although it is probable that Johnson would get the job done yet again, is the most deserving challenger at this point. He has won five-straight and after him, the highest ranked fighter who is coming off a win and hasn’t fought Johnson is Wilson Reis, at No. 9. I think Reis needs one or two more wins to get a title shot, so I think Johnson should fight Benavidez next. If Johnson decides to move up in weight, I’d be down for a super-fight between him and Dominick Cruz, but it doesn’t sound like that will happen anytime soon.
Cejudo was undefeated prior to Saturday’s loss and is still a top contender in the flyweight division. Cejudo will likely get back into the winning column against another top 10 flyweight and get himself back into title contention over the course of a few fights.
Watch now, later, or never?
Mighty Mouse got the job done quickly. You know my answer — watch now.