Henry Cejudo advises Israel Adesanya to take time off and have Robert Whittaker fight Alex Pereira after Paulo Costa cancelation
Henry Cejudo is weighing in on the UFC middleweight division after Robert Whittaker vs. Paulo Costa.
Cejudo recently uploaded a video to his YouTube channel where he gave his thoughts on the bout cancelation. He noted that it could be something that former champion Israel Adesanya could take advantage of. He mentioned that 'Izzy' should take an extended layoff and allow Whittaker to challenge Alex Pereira for the middleweight championship instead, saying:
"I think Israel (Adesanya) needs to take a break. I think Israel needs to get better. I think Israel needs to add to his game, to his grappling, to his wrestling, to all that. So if I was Robert Whittaker, I would really be stepping on the toes of Alex Pereira. I would really be making a scene. I would be asking for it, I would be calling him out." {1:03 - 1:21}
Cejudo urged 'Izzy' to take his time rather than immediately getting back to the octagon for a rematch with 'Poatan'. Adesanya had a lengthy title reign and has done enough to warrant a title shot for when he returns. The former two-division UFC champion believes Adesanya should observe the fight and use the time to improve, saying:
"In my opinion, Robert Whittaker could beat him (Alex Pereira), he really can. Just based on styles of the fight, Robert could take him down, Robert is more strategic. He has more lateral movements. Let these guys (Whittaker and Pereira) go to war. You chill out, you hangout, and then eventually get the winner of that if I was Israel (Adesanya)." {1:41 - 2:03}
Based on what transpired at UFC 281, it's understandable why Adesanya would be eager to get back into the octagon and regain the UFC middleweight championship.
Check out the full video:
Henry Cejudo believes Robert Whittaker could do well at light heavyweight
Robert Whittaker explains that he will not be fighting in Perth at all after Costa fight fell through. Maybe title next? https://t.co/UYEApuTJXh
Henry Cejudo believes Robert Whittaker should use his canceled bout with Paulo Costa as an opportunity to test the waters at light heavyweight.
Cejudo spoke about the UFC middleweight division on his YouTube channel. He added that he believes that 'The Reaper' has the skillset to do well at light heavyweight:
"I think Robert Whittaker would do some amazing things at light heavyweight. I could even see him becoming champion. If I was Robert Whittaker, I'd call out the biggest baddest dude whose open at 205(lbs)...beat him and then start calling out for the championship at 205(lbs). Why not?" {2:51 - 3:11}
He suggested that the former middleweight champion should accept a fight at 205lbs and remain on the UFC 284 card in Perth, Australia.