Morning Report: Henry Cejudo says UFC Seattle matchup with Music Yadong is ‘going to become a banger’

Henry Cejudo likes his probabilities at UFC Seattle.

Subsequent month, Cejudo makes his return to the octagon when he faces Music Yadong in the primary occasion of UFC Seattle. It’s the primary struggle for the previous two-division champion in over a yr, and although it’s a matchup not many anticipated, it’s one which’s been within the works for fairly a while.

“I used to be initially purported to struggle him at The Sphere,” Cejudo mentioned on his Pound-4-Pound podcast. “They’d provided him, however at the moment I had an harm and I couldn’t make it to The Sphere. I talked to Hunter [Campbell] and he mentioned, ‘Hey man, that supply, he nonetheless needs to struggle.’ I wish to struggle him. I believe it’s going to become a banger. Stylistically, we’re each little muscular people and the one factor is Music is a bit of taller, however he most likely cuts quite a lot of weight.

“Personally, I just like the struggle. I just like the struggle stylistically, as nicely. I believe Music’s going to deliver quite a lot of energy, makes use of quite a lot of fingers, however we additionally know that when you begin doing another issues, he might be fading away just a bit bit.”

Presently No. 8 within the UFC bantamweight rankings, Music is coming off a unanimous resolution loss to Petr Yan at UFC 299 in March. Nonetheless, solely 27 years previous, Music seems to be on the rise in his profession, whereas Cejudo appears to be approaching the tip.

The Olympic gold medalist retired from MMA in 2020 after defending his bantamweight title against Dominicokay Cruz at UFC 249. He returned in 2023, falling brief against Aljamain Sterling for the belt in his return struggle, after which misplaced his most up-to-date outing to now-champion Merab Dvalishvili. However at 37 years previous and with out a win in almost 5 years, questions linger about how a lot Cejudo has left within the tank. However “Triple C” believes he’s going to indicate precisely what he’s acquired left come February.

“I actually like this struggle,” Cejudo mentioned. “I’ve a great recreation plan set in place for a man that’s about 10 years youthful than me. Music is a tricky opponent however I prefer it. I can see myself stopping this dude. I actually can.”

UFC Seattle goes down on Feb. 22 at Local weather Pledge Enviornment.

Rumors. Joe Rogan: Dana White says declare Jon Jones needs $30 million to struggle Tom Aspinall is ‘bullsh*t.’

Ugly. ‘We’re handled like slaves’: UFC veteran Francimar Barroso accused of ripping off fighters in Russia; Barroso responds.

Quiet. Kamaru Usman sends message to ‘silly’ welterweights: ‘Shut your mouth! Nobody is petrified of any of you!’

Strawweight. Mackenzie Dern explains why she needs Tatiana Suarez to beat UFC champion Zhang Weili.

BKFC. Sean Wheelock reveals how creating unified guidelines for bare-knuckle preventing modified BKFC’s future endlessly.

KO. Robelis Despaigne will get opponent for Karate Fight return after 4-second KO debut.

Grudge. Colby Covington says Alex Pereira can ‘positively’ knock out Jon Jones.

MMA Combating UFC Fantasy Draft, Season 2.

Between the Hyperlinks.

Darkish Facet of the Cage — Kimbo Slice.

Free fights.

Congratulations!

Strong promo.

Beef.

Keep prepared.

Rampage is able to scrap.

Tremendous Sodiq is aware of.

Kevin Jousset (10-3) vs. Jonathan Micallef (7-1); UFC 312, Feb. 8.

First UFC occasion of 2025 on deck tomorrow. It’s not the perfect nevertheless it’s good simply to have fights again. Take pleasure in!

In case you discover one thing you’d wish to see within the Morning Report, hit up @AlexanderKlee or @JedKMeshew on Twitter and tell us about it. Additionally, comply with MMAFighting on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and like us on Fb.