UFC 323 in Las Vegas marks the possible final pay-per-view event and Henry Cejudo‘s last fight, with reflections on Cejudo’s career, the new TV deal’s impact, and hypothetical fight predictions.
Last weekend was a rare break for the UFC, but we’re back in action this Saturday with UFC 323 in Las Vegas. It might be the last pay-per-view ever, and it’s also the final fight for future Hall of Famer Henry Cejudo. Let’s dive into Cejudo’s career, the new TV deal, and some fantasy matchups!
With UFC 323 possibly marking Cejudo’s last fight, what do you think of his career? Olympic gold and UFC champ-champ status are impressive, but he “retired” in his prime.
This is a great question, and my answer might not be popular: Cejudo had a solid career, but it’s not as outstanding as it seems. It might be forgotten soon.
Cejudo’s biggest achievement isn’t in the UFC; it’s his Olympic gold medal. That’s a remarkable feat, especially considering his age and circumstances. Even if he did nothing else, he’d still have a stellar athletic career.
Then, he transitioned to MMA and found success. With a gold medal, he’s arguably the best wrestler to compete in MMA. He adapted well, winning belts in multiple divisions, becoming the only person to win a gold medal and be a two-weight world champion. Kayla Harrison might be in the same league, though.
The issue with Cejudo’s career? He cut it short. Like in wrestling, once he reached the top, he wasn’t interested in maintaining his position. Athletes often say it’s easier to be the hunter than the hunted, and Cejudo never wanted to be hunted.
Instead, Cejudo retired in a failed bluff, trying to force the UFC’s hand for more money or a featherweight title shot. Dana White quickly moved on, leaving Cejudo sidelined for three years. When he returned, he’d lost a step, having spent his prime years out of action.
The real tragedy is the fights and legacy Cejudo left behind. Even at his peak, his two-division champ status wasn’t the best. Many felt he lost to Demetrious Johnson, and his win over T.J. Dillashaw was against a compromised opponent. His victory over Marlon Moraes hasn’t aged well, and his title defense against Dominick Cruz was lackluster. Time will be harsh on that run.
Cejudo is a fantastic athlete and one of the top 50 fighters ever, but he’s closer to 50 than 10 due to career management. Still, three world titles and a Hall of Fame entry are nothing to sneeze at.
Now, about that new broadcast deal. With changes to numbered events, the UFC has even less incentive to put on great cards than during the ESPN era. When will this affect numbers and interest?
Eh, about the same. The ESPN deal already set a floor for PPV buys, so incentives were minimal. Another cash deal won’t help the sport’s slow decline, but it might not speed it up either. Paramount wants something watchable, though Dana White’s plan to double Contender Series output isn’t ideal!
As for when the UFC might face consequences, not soon. Aligning with a right-wing audience was a business decision, not just Dana White’s friendship with Trump. Fighting isn’t universally loved, so there’s a cap on fans. By aligning politically, the UFC has strengthened its connection with those who share those views.
Every person upset about NFL kneeling has a sport they can connect with. Firm ideological beliefs create a strong consumer bond, so the UFC can likely continue selling out arenas. Site fees are only increasing.
Now, let’s predict some fantasy matchups! Prime Matt Hughes vs. Kevin Holland? Chuck Liddell vs. Jiri Prochazka? B.J. Penn vs. Lightweight Volkanovski? TJ Dillashaw vs. Merab Dvalishvili? Undefeated Diego Sanchez vs. Carlos Prates? Brock Lesnar vs. Cyril Gane? Rich Franklin vs. Robocop (Gregory Rodrigues)?
I love pointless hypotheticals! Matt Hughes would dominate Holland. Jiri might edge out Chuck. Volkanovski could outlast Penn. Dillashaw might be better, but Merab could tire him out. Prates would likely beat Sanchez. Lesnar might overpower Gane. Franklin would probably handle Robocop.
That was fun! Send more of these. Thanks for reading, and to everyone who sent questions. Got any burning questions about combat sports? Send them my way. Every Sunday (or Monday if I forget), I’ll call for questions on The Feed. Whether topical or insane, I’ll answer the best ones. See y’all next week!