Henry Cejudo claims he was leaning toward Islam Makhachev winning at UFC 322, but the former lightweight champ’s recent comments made him rethink everything. Now he’s not so sure about his initial pick and admits he’s backtracking on that prediction of Makhachev clinching the belt from Jack Della Maddalena.

Talking on the Pound for Pound podcast, Cejudo said what spooked him was Makhachev saying he’ll strike with Della Maddalena if the wrestling doesn’t work. ‘Triple C’ thinks that’s a dangerous game plan against someone with JDM’s power and technique.

In Cejudo’s view, wrestling is Makhachev’s only path to victory. Trying to outbox or outstrike JDM plays directly into the Australians’ strengths. That’s where he’s most dangerous and has finished multiple opponents. In light of the fact,

See Full Page