Khabib Crafts Path To Gold For Cejudo

12/27/2024 01:00 PM

Henry is angling for a flyweight title fight against Alexandre Pantoja in 2025, and Khabib is ready to help him achieve it.

Khabib Nurmagomedov has a gameplan for Henry Cejudo to end his career with a bang, but it involves serious discipline and a busy 2025 for the former UFC double champ and Olympic gold medalist.

In a fascinating new video shared on Cejudo's site, "Triple C" told Khabib he was considering a return to 125 pounds, a move that Nurmagomedov thought was smart given the current lack of big name contenders in the flyweight division.

"There is no other option for Pantoja. There is no fight," Khabib said. "I think if they want some big fight for this weight class, they have to make this. Cejudo vs. Pantoja."

"I can make [125], it's just a lot of discipline," Cejudo said. "Like I gotta maybe fast for a week, lose a good ten pounds, then from there be on a strict diet. I lose about 15 pounds [just drinking water]."

The big issue in "The Eagle's" eyes? The expiry date on 37-year-old Cejudo's career.

"We have to recognize real things," Khabib told Cejudo. "Like if I talk about yourself, I think you're old for this sport. But if I'm promoter, I try to make Pantoja fight with you because there is nobody else. There is nobody else. Cejudo vs. Pantoja is gonna be big name. Bring somebody old with big name, make them fight."

"Even if he was to beat me, it elevates him because he beat a legend," Cejudo said.

"But people underestimate Olympic champions," Khabib continued. "These are not normal people. They are one up from normal people. They don't understand Olympic champion level."

Cejudo is currently on a two fight losing streak and hasn't fought since getting ragdolled by Merab Dvalishvili in February 2024. So Nurmagomedov laid out a way to make Henry's flyweight title run possible.

"This is what you need: one fight 135, to bring your body back," Khabib said. "When you win this fight, after that don't take long vacation ... You fight February, March take off, and jump April [into] training camp. Fight June, July, International Fight Week at 125 for the title. Can you imagine you come back and win 125 title? You can [do it]! I'm gonna talk with Dana too."

Will Dana White be down with the idea? If he isn't at first blush, Khabib could convince him. He certainly convinced us. Cejudo title run at 125 in 2025, lets go!