The world of UFC is abuzz with a shocking revelation! UFC legend Henry Cejudo drops a bombshell about the highly anticipated UFC 323 event. But was it all a plan gone awry?
Cejudo, a former UFC double champion, has claimed that the main event of UFC 323 was initially intended to showcase Alexander Volkanovski, the current featherweight champion. This comes after Volkanovski's triumphant title reclamation at UFC 314, where he defeated Diego Lopes in a thrilling comeback performance.
Volkanovski, known as 'The Great', has been patiently observing the featherweight division, eager to defend his title. The Australian fighter had his sights set on a showdown with Russian contender Movsar Evloev, but fate had other plans. Despite Evloev's bad luck, the undefeated fighter never got his shot.
But here's where it gets controversial. Cejudo reveals that Volkanovski was supposed to headline UFC 323 against British contender Lerone Murphy, who recently scored a stunning knockout victory over Aaron Pico. This fight was set to be the main attraction, but the promotion had a change of heart.
Cejudo, in his own words, said, "I think they're saving some of the best fights... The original plan, from what I heard, was Volkanovski versus Murphy." He speculates that the promotion might be holding back some of their bigger stars, favoring fighters like Merab Dvalishvili, who is known for his willingness to fight frequently. This decision, according to Cejudo, pushed Volkanovski and Murphy off the card.
UFC President Dana White confirmed that bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili will defend his title against Petr Yan at UFC 323, making it a historic event. Interestingly, Cejudo is also scheduled to compete at UFC 323, marking his retirement fight against Payton Talbott.
As for Alexander Volkanovski, his return to the Octagon is now delayed until 2026. The UFC's return to Sydney, Australia, in February is likely to feature Volkanovski as the main event, but the opponent remains a mystery. While it was initially rumored to be Murphy, recent developments suggest a rematch with Diego Lopes, a decision that has raised some eyebrows.
And this is the part most people miss: Could there be more to this story? Is there a hidden strategy behind the UFC's decision to switch up the main event? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Do you agree with Cejudo's interpretation, or do you have a different theory?
