Is the Cejudo-Moreno Rivalry Truly Dead? UFC 323 sparks a surprising resurgence of tension between former foes.
The world of MMA is buzzing with anticipation for UFC 323, but one lingering question hangs in the air: Why is Henry Cejudo, the former two-division champion and Olympic gold medalist, still fixated on Brandon Moreno, the ex-flyweight titleholder, when he’s moved on to bantamweight? This weekend in Las Vegas, Cejudo faces rising star Payton Talbott, yet his recent comments suggest Moreno remains on his mind. But here’s where it gets controversial: Moreno, now focused on reclaiming the flyweight title, openly admits he thought their rivalry was buried. And this is the part most people miss—Cejudo’s persistent references to Moreno raise eyebrows, especially since he’s no longer competing in the same weight class.
During the UFC 323 media day, Moreno expressed confusion over Cejudo’s continued interest. “I thought that rivalry was dead,” Moreno stated. “But the guy is still thinking of me. That’s crazy.” He acknowledged their past animosity but emphasized his current focus on the flyweight division, even wishing Cejudo success against Talbott. “Payton is an incredible opponent,” Moreno added, downplaying any personal grudge. Yet, he couldn’t help but question Cejudo’s motives, hinting at the performative nature of media interactions: “I don’t know what his real mentality against me is because the people get cameras in their faces, and everything changes.”
Cejudo, meanwhile, reminisced about their unresolved rivalry, claiming Moreno avoided him multiple times, even before he became champion. “I’ve always thought that rivalry, that fight would have been great,” Cejudo told reporters, reflecting on missed opportunities. He even recalled a personal confrontation at a UFC retreat, where he challenged Moreno to a fight. “I think we ended in the most political way,” Cejudo admitted, before lightheartedly blaming dehydration and hunger for his past behavior. “Sorry, Brandon,” he quipped, issuing a double apology that left fans wondering: Is this genuine, or just another chapter in their ongoing saga?
Bold Question for the Audience: Is Cejudo’s fixation on Moreno a sign of unfinished business, or is he simply stirring the pot for attention? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Beyond the Cejudo-Moreno drama, UFC 323 promises fireworks. In the main event, bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili defends his title against former champ Petr Yan in a rematch that could redefine the 135-pound division. Meanwhile, flyweight king Alexandre Pantoja faces challenger Joshua Van in a battle of grappling versus knockout power. With such high stakes, this event is a must-watch for MMA enthusiasts.
For the full fight card and streaming details, click here. Don’t miss out on what’s sure to be an unforgettable night in “Sin City”!
