Skip to content

Petr Yan: Cejudo 'running around like a mouse'

Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty

Bantamweight contender Petr Yan is frustrated with UFC two-division champion Henry Cejudo.

Cejudo, the titleholder at both bantamweight and flyweight, has been out of action with a shoulder injury since he captured the 135-pound belt in June. Cejudo initially expected to return by the end of this year, but now it's looking more like the first quarter of 2020.

Yan, who's scheduled to meet Urijah Faber at UFC 245 on Dec. 14, is losing patience with "The Messenger."

"Cejudo is running around like a mouse," Yan told theScore through an interpreter earlier this week. "He didn't make a decision, but now it's time to make a decision already. He can't hold up such a good division like ours."

Hanging onto two UFC titles long term has historically been difficult to do. Both Daniel Cormier and Conor McGregor dropped their first titles soon after winning their second. Amanda Nunes has been able to do it since becoming a double champ nearly a year ago, but one of her divisions - women's featherweight - contains very few fighters, making it easier to balance obligations.

Cejudo said in October that fighting at bantamweight is more "appetizing" due to the easier weight cut, though he's yet to officially leave one division or the other. UFC president Dana White initially thought Cejudo would be able to defend both titles, but more recently said he'll likely have to give one up.

While Yan is frustrated with Cejudo, he was happy to accept the bout with Faber if it gets him closer to a shot at UFC gold.

"I always want to fight someone who is higher in the rankings than me, and someone who will get me closer to the title," Yan said. "Faber wanted to fight, Faber wanted the title shot. I think his name, beating him, it will be very good for me.

"If I beat Faber, it will be six wins in a row, so I feel like I should be next in line."

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox