Henry Cejudo (photo via UFC / Twitter)

By FCF Staff

Henry Cejudo has made it clear he wants to fight a big name in the bantamweight division when he’s ready to return. But, Dana White says the decorated fighter needs to defend the flyweight title against Joseph Benavidez next, or vacate the belt.

Since Cejudo secured the 135 title this past June, by stopping Marlon Moraes, he’s called for bouts with bantamweight contenders like Urijah Faber, Cody Garbrandt and Dominick Cruz. More recently, he’s also expressed an interest in fighting Frankie Edgar or Jose Aldo.

But, while talking to the media recently in Las Vegas, White had this to say about Cejudo’s next bout (quotes via MMA Junkie):

“Right now, we have some things playing out at 135 pounds,” the UFC President said. “What we’d like to see Cejudo do is defend his title against Benavidez.

“Benavidez is ready. It’s the right thing to do. If he can’t, then he needs to give up one of the belts.”

Cejudo is currently sidelined due to shoulder surgery, and isn’t expected to return until early 2020. The Olympic Gold Medal wrestler hasn’t defended the flyweight title since January, when he stopped T.J. Dillashaw.

Benavidez faced Cejudo in December, 2016, and recorded a split decision win. The veteran fighter has won three straight bouts.