The UFC's Bantamweight division has been very interesting as of late as new contenders continue to rise and top contenders are calling for title shots. Since the UFC's Flyweight champion Henry Cejudo moved up in weight to face the #1 ranked fighter in the bantamweight division Marlon Moraes for the vacate UFC bantamweight title and won there have been plenty of fighters who are calling for the shot at Cejudo next. Due to the double champ getting injured during his bout with Marlon Moraes at UFC 238 the current Bantamweight champion has been put on the sidelines and is expected to return by early 2020.
When that news broke plenty of fighters have been calling for a shot at the gold with a potential interim title fight until Henry Cejudo is able to return. The #2 ranked bantamweight in the division Aljamain Sterling has been very vocal as of late on his quest to a title shot. Aljamain is currently on a 4 fight win streak with his most recent victory being over #5 ranked Pedro Munhoz on his hunt for the gold. He continued to be vocal about Henry Cejudo as he feels if he isn't gonna be fighting he should give up the UFC bantamweight title.
Another top contender who has been very vocal when it comes to the bantamweight divisions current situation is the #4 ranked Russian prospect Petr Yan. Petr and Aljamain have continued to go back and forth as they both feel they should be involved in the bout for the UFC interim bantamweight championship. As it would make the most sense to have these 2 top contenders fight for the title and help clear things up as the division would not be put on hold for Henry Cejudo.
The bantamweight division has been very interesting since the absence of for 2 time UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw tested positive for EPO and was suspended. He is expected to return to the octagon by 2021 so it will be interesting to see just exactly where the division will be by the time former champion makes his return to the organization. If we know the UFC then T.J. Dillashaw will more than likely be granted a number 1 contender spot on his return or even he might get title shot immediately when you consider his success in the octagon.
There was another huge mix up in the division as UFC Hall of famer Urijah Faber has returned to the octagon and returned in a huge way. Urijah also has his eyes on the gold as he defeated Ricky Simon via TKO in the very 1st round as he put on a spectacular performance. Urijah has even expressed interest in a potential match up with former team alpha male member T.J. Dillashaw upon his return in a grudge match that has been years in the making. But with names like Dominick Cruz, Cody Garbrandt, Pedro Munhoz, and Marlon Moraes still lurking in the top 10 there is really no telling who will be champion by the T.J. returns.
