Jake’s Takes: Volkanovski vs Cejudo is the fight to make in 2022

Teased since 2020, it seems like Henry Cejudo might finally be returning to the Octagon. The former double-champ bowed out from competition in the midst of his prime, but has teased a possible comeback. One of the names that has been mentioned in these potential returns has been reigning featherweight Alexander Volkanovski. Is this the time that we finally see this superfight?

This is my two cents on it all – this is Jake’s Takes!

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After creating one of the best legacies of recent times, Henry Cejudo decided to retire from MMA. Even if nobody really believed that Cejudo was gone for good, it marked a new era for the 135lb division that he had ruled. Throughout the course of his retirement, one fight was constantly and consistently on Cejudo’s tongue: Alexander ‘The Great‘ Volkanovski.

Since Cejudo’s retirement, UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has shown his incredible skill. Though he may have been in the bad graces of the fans after a close rematch with Max Holloway, Volkanovski put on an instant classic performance against Brian Ortega. The Aussie has proven himself to be an elite pound-for-pound talent in the past few years.

After the aforementioned win against Ortega at UFC 266, Cejudo started an online campaign to finally set up a fight with Volkanovski. The reigning champ said he would happily take the fight, if the conditions were right. Speaking to ESPN’s Marc Raimondi, the former champ Cejudo talked about how the Volkanovski fight could be set up.

“On top of everything that’s going on in my life, I still think about winning that third belt. I really do. I think it’s attainable. I think anybody is crazy to count me out. Hate the persona, hate the cringe, but dude, facts are facts. I’m an accomplished athlete. If you can name someone who’s more accomplished more than me in combat sports, I’ll bend the knee. But there isn’t.”

“So, yeah, I believe that I’m entitled to skip the whole damn line and fight Volkanovski. Because I deserve it. I won the flyweight belt from Demetrious Johnson, I beat TJ Dillashaw, I went up [to bantamweight] and knocked out Marlon Moraes, then defended it against Dominick Cruz, the greatest bantamweight of all time. But they’re still gonna doubt me.”

“It’s not even a challenge against Volkanovski. I know he’s probably a little bit afraid that this flyweight could potentially beat him. This challenge is for Dana White. Dana said that he would never doubt me […] once I beat Marlon and won my second belt.”

“I promise you, Alexander ‘The Average‘ wouldn’t last longer than three rounds with ‘Triple C‘.”

Dana White, however, wasn’t exactly keen on the idea of a Volkanovski vs Cejudo fight. Citing other worthy contenders & fearing a repeat of the ‘GSP at 185lbs’ fiasco, White called the situation a “tough conversation”.

For me, I think this is the ultimate fight to make in 2022. We have never seen a fighter attempt to win a third title in the UFC. This would be truly unprecidented, if it were to happen. Cejudo’s devotion to the cause is visible in his interviews. This isn’t just a publicity stunt, like some of his other attempts at staying relevant. This is a serious appeal to Dana White.

If Cejudo were to win, it would cement his legacy as one of the best fighters in MMA history. On top of the three title wins, Volkanovski’s name would be pricless on Cejudo’s resume of opponents. If I were Dana White, I’d be straight into the matchmaking room with this fight in mind.

Even for Volkanovski, though he feels he hasn’t anything to gain, a win over Cejudo would be massive for his own legacy. A former double-champion with an elite skillset? Nothing to be overlooked when analysing Volkanovski’s career when it’s all said and done.

Of course, I understand the hesitancy from White. Having Cejudo leapfrog the 145lb contenders would damage the legitimacy of the rankings system. As I mentioned earlier, Georges St. Pierre came out of retirement, moved a weight class, won the title and vacated it very shortly afterwards. It’s clear that’s another reason as to why White is reluctant to let Cejudo challenge for the title at featherweight. Unless he contractually agrees to defend the title, who’s to say the division won’t be in disaray if Cejudo vacates after a win?

Despite the risks, I maintain my position that Volkanovksi vs Cejudo is the fight that needs to happen in 2022. If anything at all, it’ll be an exciting battle between two of this generation’s top talents.