Former UFC flyweight and bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo could follow Conor McGregor’s footsteps and venture from MMA to boxing. In a conversation with ESPN’s Now or Never, Cejudo, who retired earlier this year, said that he would be interested in fighting up-and-coming boxer Ryan Garcia.
Cejudo would be willing to enter the boxing ring with Garcia, but also suggested a combination of MMA and boxing.
“I think Ryan Garcia would be the easiest payday ‘Triple C’ would ever get,” said Cejudo. “It would be a lot bigger than any purse I did in the UFC.”
Several weeks ago, Cejudo told reporters that he would only consider a comeback if he could fight UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. Now, however, the 33-year-old sees Garcia as a more desirable opponent.
“If there’s any fight that intrigues me between staying retired, between fighting … Alexander Volkanovski or fighting … Ryan Garcia, I like the payday. Plus, it’s easy money because he’s fought nobody,” he added.
Garcia, who currently holds WBC Silver lightweight title, would also be keen to fight.
“Let’s do it over here [in boxing] first, get you some money, get you knocked out, and then I’ll go to MMA,” Garcia commented on Cejudo’s offer. “If you don’t knock me out in MMA, you’re a bum. I promise you: If you don’t submit me or do whatever you have to do, you’re trash.”
Cejudo retired from MMA with 16-2 record, and as only one of four fighters who has held two UFC titles simultaneously.
Garcia, on the other hand, is undefeated in 20 pro matches and has 17 wins by knockout.
