White not surprised by Cejudo retirement, will book vacant title bout
UFC president Dana White wasn't surprised when bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo announced his retirement after his second-round TKO win over Dominick Cruz at UFC 249 on Saturday night in Jacksonville.
"He's been talking about retirement to us for the past several months," White said at the postfight press conference. "I didn't know he was going to do it tonight, but I knew he's been talking about it. And you know my opinion on that: if you start talking about retirement in this business, it's probably a good idea.
"Although, I think he's one of the best in the world. He looked incredible."
White said the UFC will now book a vacant title fight featuring top contender Petr Yan.
"We'll get that figured out, too," he added. "We'll make a title fight next week for the vacant title, and probably do that fight as soon as possible."
Yan, the No. 3 bantamweight, reacted on Twitter to the news that he'll be fighting for the belt.
I’m very happy to hear this news @danawhite Just tell me when and where, I don’t care who’s the opponent. My goal is to win the belt and become undisputed champion ✊🏼 https://t.co/cXUR683vKB
— Petr “No Mercy” Yan (@PetrYanUFC) May 10, 2020
No. 2 bantamweight Aljamain Sterling, who's long been waiting for a shot at Cejudo, expressed interest in facing Yan for the vacant strap.
@danawhite you have two beasts, ready to put on show for the vacant 135 lb title. @PetrYanUFC I know you want this just as much as I do. I am ready whenever! #UFC249
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) May 10, 2020
Cejudo, the No. 3 pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC, defended his 135-pound title for the first time at UFC 249. The 33-year-old is also a former flyweight champion.