As the year draws to a close, it offers us a great opportunity to take a look at the state of the UFC’s roster, and what we can expect in the upcoming months.
Today, we’re going to be looking at the UFC Flyweight Division (125lb).
After this year’s title changes of Jose Aldo and Jon Jones, to find a truly dominant champion in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts, one must now look to the smallest mens division in the UFC.
The first and only UFC Flyweight champion, Demetrious Johnson (23-2-1) defended his title for the seventh time against John Dodson (17-7) in September of this year.
Previously seen as the biggest threat to Johnson’s title, Dodson was largely outclassed in a five round decision to the champion, which has left the 125lb division in somewhat of a conundrum.
Johnson has not only defeated most of the divisions contenders (some of them on more than one occasion), he’s defeated them twice. The lack of visible threats to his crown has caused some to ponder if DJ should in fact move up in weight to the Bantamweight division, something which the champion has nixed multiple times.
The UFC Flyweight Division has long been the most unpopular in the sport of MMA, and DJ’s emphatic victories (many of which have come by decision) haven’t done much to combat that.
Luckily for Flyweight, and indeed for the champion, a fresh face has entered the mix in the form Olympian gold medalist Henry Cejudo. Cejudo is currently undefeated in MMA, with a 10 victories to his name, most recently beating Jussier Formiga (18-4) by split decision in November.
Cejudo’s olympic wrestling credentials have drawn attention ever since his debut, some citing those as the possible answer to the champions own exceptional wrestling ability. It must be said, however, that in his four UFC appearances, Cejudo has so far failed to show any signs of possessing the exceptional talent required to topple DJ.
Another possible issue for the bout is Cejudo’s repeated problems with making the required weight for Flyweight. He missed weight in his 125lb debut, and as such made started his UFC career at Bantamweight. Since then, he has returned to the lower division, but the weight cut remains a cause for concern for the talented youngster.
Yet, in a division crying out for new blood, Cejudo will no doubt still get the nod to be the champions next challenge.
Looking at the other members of the top five, Joseph Benavidez (#1), John Dodson (#2) and Ian McCall (#4) have both failed to beat the champion on two occasions each and Formiga (#5) just lost to Cejudo.
Simply put, Henry Cejudo is the only option currently available.
Look for Johnson and Cejudo to face off in the first half of 2016, but don’t be surprised if the champion retains his title in as emphatic a fashion as he’s done previously. If Johnson does indeed win, then expect the calls for him to move up in weight to increase, and look for the UFC to struggle in finding him a decent challenge.
Prediction for 2016: The UFC Flyweight Division still belongs to Demetrious Johnson.
