During Demetrious Johnson’s title run in the flyweight, he was so dominant that the UFC had a difficult time finding challenging matchups. Johnson broke the record for most consecutive defense which Anderson Silva previously held.
There were rumors that the UFC is planning to cut the flyweight division due to a lack of people interested in watching the division. There was no competition left for Johnson in the division anymore. The UFC then offered Johnson to move up and fight TJ Dillashaw for a megafight.
Johnson said that he will accept the decision to fight TJ Dillashaw if the money is right which the UFC cannot offer due to Johnson’s lack of popularity to the casual fans. Most casual fans are only interested in bigger division fights as it is more knockout oriented.
While hardcore fans know that in the flyweight division, fighters need to have skill, speed, and technique in order to win. Demetrious Johnson showed what a true martial artist can do by fighting bigger guys, more talented, and even faster guys.
During the rematch of Henry Cejudo vs Demetrious Johnson, it was the fight that Johnson had a challenge. Cejudo then went on to win a very close split decision. Most fans agree that it could have gone either way.
Cejudo then said that he wants to save the division by facing TJ Dillashaw. Cejudo was coming in as the underdog due to size differences. Dillashaw then moved down but was sparked in less than a minute. It was later revealed that Dillashaw was using PEDs that is known as EPO.
Henry Cejudo said that he saved the division and decided to move up to prove that the flyweights are as skilled as the bantamweight. Cejudo came in as the underdog again in his fight against Marlon Moraes.
In their fight, Cejudo was injured prior to the fight. He sprained his left ankle during training, it was risky to keep on fighting due to Moraes’s vicious leg kicks that could exploit his injury even more.
Cejudo powered through but faced adversity in the first round. The corner advised Cejudo to just dirty-box and not give Moraes the distance to fight outside. It would eventually lead to Moraes gassing out which was the end for Moraes.
Cejudo became the two-division champion but later vacated the flyweight belt. After being the bantamweight champion, he called out Jose Aldo for his first title defense but the fight was canceled. Dominick Cruz was then set as his opponent with which he defeated easily. Cejudo then retired.
Back to the flyweight division, Joseph Benavidez was the #1 top contender so it makes sense that he is set for the title contention. He was set to face Deveison Figueiredo for the vacant belt but Figueiredo missed weight and cannot win the belt if he beats Benavidez.
Figueiredo knocked Benavidez out after a clash of heads. The UFC had no choice but to book another rematch as the belt is still vacant. Fortunately, Figueiredo and Benavidez both made weight for the rematch, so it is an official title match where both can win it all.
Figueiredo already got Benavidez’s number and choked Benavidez out. There was no question that Figueiredo is the undisputed champion of the division. It was the beginning of a new breed of flyweights.
For UFC 256, Figueiredo was set for his first title defense against Cody Garbrandt, but Cody pulled out due to COVID and other issues. Alex Perez stepped in for the main event slot. Figueiredo predicted that the fight will end with him winning by submission.
The fight indeed ended in submission and dominantly. Most fans and media personnel thought that Figueiredo will begin another championship reign that the contenders will have no chance of beating him. He seemed to be invincible in his recent fights and did it dominantly.
A month later he was ready for his second title defense. Figueiredo vs Brandon Moreno was scheduled as the card needed a PPV Main Event. Figueiredo was coming in as a heavy favorite due to his experience and style.
No one would have thought that Moreno would have held on his own in the fight. The fight became the greatest flyweight fight in UFC history. It was so evenly matched, Moreno showed true heart and grit by eating the strikes of Figueiredo like it was nothing. Figueiredo looked shocked that Moreno was still standing.
Figueiredo also looked in trouble in some parts of the fight where Moreno capitalized but just could not finish the job. Although the fight ended in a draw, it showed that the flyweight division is talented and stacked. Most fans agree with the judges’ decision of giving it a draw.
It is a shame that Demetrious Johnson is not in the UFC roster anymore but Figueiredo could fill the gap once more and give the flyweight division a chance to shine. Cejudo could also think of a comeback fight. The main point is the UFC 256 revived the flyweight division which was known as the boring division prior.
