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Henry Cejudo is a special athlete.
The artist formerly known as “The Messenger” captured an Olympic gold medal in wrestling, then went on to grab a pair of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) titles during his storied mixed martial arts (MMA) career.
Not too shabby.
Unfortunately for Cejudo, his paycheck does not reflect his accomplishments and now “Triple C” wants the promotion to fork over the paydays some of his fellow champions are entitled to. If not, it’s time to call it a career.
“I’m in this game for 100-percent money,” Cejudo told MMA Fighting. “I’m in this to make money, I’m not in this for another championship. I’ve accomplished everything I’ve wanted to accomplish. There’s only one thing missing: A whole bunch of zeroes behind me competing and entertaining a bunch of people. I want to fight the best but if the number doesn’t equal out to what I feel like I’m gonna get paid, then I’m out, they can keep both belts.”
Cejudo (15-2) is the winner of five straight with three technical knockouts, having laid waste to TJ Dillashaw and Marlon Moraes in back-to-back fights before taking an extended leave of absence to undergo shoulder surgery.
That decision left both belts on ice and UFC President Dana White has already ordered Cejudo to defend his flyweight strap upon his return. If not, “Triple C” will be forced to hand over his 125-pound title.
Though it sounds like White might get a 2-for-1 special at this rate.