Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Another day, another change in main events. Jose Aldo has been forced out of his scheduled Bantamweight title fight against division king, Henry Cejudo, which was set to go down at UFC 250 on May 9, 2020 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. That’s according to a report from Combate, which states that Aldo’s visa has expired and the US Embassy in Brazil is currently not issuing new ones as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While only verbal agreements are in place for the change in main event, Cruz took to social media to pretty much confirm the booking.
“Dear Henry Cejudo, the real king has already been told that we’re fighting May 9th. I’ll see you there. P.S. -Bring your other tiny lil friend cptdasamericas so I can slap you both around,” said the ex-135-pound champion.
The news comes just a day after “The Dominator” started his campaign to be the one to fill in for Aldo in case the Brazilian bomber couldn’t make his way out of his home country due to coronavirus-related travel restrictions. And just 24 hours later, the hypothetical scenario became a reality.
While it is still unclear where UFC 250 will take place, it’s safe to assume that it will go down at Tachi Palace Resort Casino in California — possible site of UFC 249. There is always the private island Dana White is trying to lock down, but that seems to be reserved for international fighters.
Should the fight come to pass, it will be Cruz’s first taste of action in nearly three and a half years, as multiple injuries have forced him to the sidelines, though he has been staying busy with his broadcasting duties. Cruz was last seen coughing up the 135-pound title to Cody Garbrandt at UFC 207 on December 30, 2016.
As for Cejudo, he hasn’t competed since mid-2019, as he underwent shoulder surgery shortly after becoming UFC’s latest champ-champ by knocking out Marlon Moraes at UFC 238.
While the fight is an interesting one to say the least, I highly doubt it will sit too well with some of the Top 5 contenders, including Marlon Moraes (No. 1), Aljamain Sterling (No. 2) and Petr Yan (No. 3).
That being said, care to offer up your predictions for the fight?