Henry Cejudo calls for fight with 'very beatable' Max Holloway

Over the last six months, the 35-year-old has made it clear the only one thing that could make him return to the Octagon — besides a massive payday — is the chance to be the first three-division champion in UFC history.

• Henry Cejudo record: 16-2 (8 knockouts)

Cejudo has consistently taken jabs in the media at reigning featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. Unfortunately for him, the Aussie and his boss Dana White have not shown any interest in seeing Cejudo jump into a title bout in a division he’s never fought in. With his path to Volkanovski blocked, Cejudo has a new strategy. To go after the division’s top contender and former champion Holloway.

In a new interview with The Underground, Cejudo revealed he now has his sights set on a matchup with “Blessed” for several reasons. The first is his belief that a win over the Hawaiian would prove him worthy of a 145-pound championship opportunity. The second reason is that he actually views Holloway as a “very beatable” opponent.

“One of the fights that come to mind if I come back is Max Holloway. If you won’t give me Alexander the average, give me Holloway,” Cejudo said [h/t BJPenn.com]. “Okay, if they want me to fight somebody to get into that title fight, give me Holloway. I know I can beat him, and then I’ll get Alexander the average. I’m curious to see what Holloway would say about the fight. I respect him, but I also know he’s really beatable. But, I know he’s really dangerous too, that’s why I like him.”

“I do believe Max Holloway would take me seriously, and he’d be more willing to fight me than Alexander Volkanovski would,” he added. “That’s the route I would wanna go.”

After reaggravating a previous injury, and having to remove himself from a planned trilogy bout with Volkanovski, Holloway is currently waiting for his next booking. He lost the first two bouts to the defending champion by decision.