Henry “The Messenger” Cejudo, 31, of Phoenix, Arizona, United States is still the flyweight champion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He successfully defended his belt against reigning UFC Bantamweight Champion T.J. Dillashaw, 32, of Denver, Colorado, USA at “UFC Fight Night 143.”
Featuring 13 mixed martial arts matches, “UFC Fight Night 143” took place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, USA. In the main event, Dillashaw challenged the reigning UFC Featherweight Champion in an attempt to become a two-division champion.
Referee Kevin MacDonald put a stop to the contest after 32 seconds in the first round. Cejudo knocked out Dillashaw via punches.
In the post-fight “UFC Fight Night 143” press conference, Cejudo said his victory was dedicated to all the flyweight MMA fighters who wished to become a champion one day. He noted that smaller fighters like him should not be underestimated.
Winning at “UFC Fight Night 143″ improved Cejudo’s professional MMA record to 14 wins and 2 losses. It marked his first title defense as the reigning UFC Flyweight Champion and the eighth time he won in the UFC.
Cejudo was born in Los Angeles, California, USA on February 9, 1987 to Mexican parents. He stands 5’4” and is a yellow belt in Shotokan Karate.
As a wrestler, Cejudo is a product of the United States Olympic Training Centeer in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. In 2008, he won a gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.
As a professional MMA fighter, Cejudo made his debut in 2013 and joined the UFC in 2014. On April 23, 2016, he had his first loss after failing to dethrone then reigning UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious “Might Mouse” Johnson, 32, of Parkland, Washington, USA at “UFC 197.”
After the loss to Johnson, Cejudo had his second professional MMA loss. He lost via split decision to Joseph Benavidez, 34, of Sacramento, California at “The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions Finale” on December 3, 2016.
On August 4, 2018, Cejudo became the new UFC Flyweight Champion through a split decision victory during his rematch with Johnson at “UFC 227.” The latter is now signed with ONE Championship.
Here are the post-fight interviews with Cejudo and Dillashaw inside the UFC octagon:
CONAN Daily 