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Henry Cejudo made sure that everyone was talking about the flyweight division at least for one night.
With months of chatter swirling around the fate of the UFC’s smallest male division, Cejudo walked into the main event of UFC Brooklyn and repelled challenger T.J. Dillashaw in emphatic fashion. Dillashaw, the UFC’s reigning bantamweight champion, was hurt early and Cejudo finished him with strikes just 32 seconds into round one.
That was just one of the major talking points on the UFC’s first show under the ESPN umbrella, which also saw ex-NFL player Greg Hardy make a disastrous debut against Allen Crowder by getting disqualified, and standout performances from Gregor Gillespie, Joseph Benavidez, Paige VanZant, and Glover Teixiera. All that, plus another highlight-reel win for veteran Donald Cerrone in the preliminary headliner.
See what their peers had to say about the historic show.
HENRY CEJUDO DEF. T.J. DILLASHAW
I know exactly what is going on in TJ’s head at that moment.
— Amanda Nunes (@Amanda_Leoa) January 20, 2019
Unlucky T.J on your attempt at Champ Champ™️ status.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) January 20, 2019
Respect for your weight cut. I have been there and it is not easy.
Unlucky Henry on your attempt at fastest K.O in a UFC title fight.
I have been there, and I still am.
Congrats on the win.
Yours truly,
The O.G Champ Champ.
#saveflyweight @danawhite don’t be bullshit, these guys have a family who need money.
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) January 20, 2019
Congrats Cejudo! Anyone on #CyborgNation see the @ufc has no problem giving TJ an interview after his loss?!
— Follow @CrisCyborg on IG #CWB (@criscyborg) January 20, 2019
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) January 20, 2019
“Cejudo, come avenge your loss.” @JoeJitsu has words for the Champ @HenryCejudo after his :32 win at #UFCBrooklyn pic.twitter.com/tk8Bx57xfd
— UFC (@ufc) January 20, 2019
Main event time! #UFCBrooklyn
— Jimmie Rivera (@JimmieRivera135) January 20, 2019
It's TIME!!! #UFConESPN #DillashawVsCejudo
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) January 20, 2019
Here it comes!!!
— Brian Ortega (@BrianTcity) January 20, 2019
WOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWW!!!!!!! #UFConESPN
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) January 20, 2019
Did I not fuckin tell you!!! @ufc #UFCBROOKLYN
— Ray Borg (@tazmexufc) January 20, 2019
Did I not fuckin tell you!!! @ufc #UFCBROOKLYN
— Ray Borg (@tazmexufc) January 20, 2019
Cejudoooooooooo!!!!!! @HenryCejudo
— Ryan Hall (@ryanhall5050) January 20, 2019
Like I said flyweights are taking over @ufc #UFCBROOKLYN
— Jessica Eye (@jessicaevileye) January 20, 2019
Damn . Now do you keep the 125 lb division and delete the 135 lb division ... sheeeshhhh . What a statement #UFCONESPN
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) January 20, 2019
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) January 20, 2019
Holy fucking shit ... I had the weirdest feeling that would happen tonight but I never trust that shit. Well done! @HenryCejudo thanks for saving the flyweights!!!! @ufc
— Ian McCall (@Unclecreepymma) January 20, 2019
Fucking called it that cut is no joke shit makes a difference..... TJ is too lean an athlete needs a little body fat to protect brain and organs that first body kick hurt and that punch ended it
— Terrion Flash Ware (@flashmma) January 20, 2019
Well, that escalated quickly @ufc Congrats @HenryCejudo #andstill #ufc #UFConESPN
— Alex Chambers (@alexchambersmma) January 20, 2019
Wow Cejudo #UFCBROOKLYN
— Zak Cummings (@ZakCummings) January 20, 2019
I thought it was a bad stoppage he was never out #UFCFightNight #CejudoDillashaw
— Frank Mir (@thefrankmir) January 20, 2019
Wow that was fast
— Junior Dos Santos ️➕ (@junior_cigano) January 20, 2019
Did you guys see it just happened again.
— Junior Dos Santos ️➕ (@junior_cigano) January 20, 2019
I don’t think it was a wrong stoppage
But as we all saw TJ was still there trying so why not allow him to try.
Certainly Cejudo would keep punching and finish him but let it happen that way then. It would leave no doubts to nobody.
Beautiful victory for Cejudo who’s an amazing athlete that I have the pleasure to be friends with.
— Junior Dos Santos ️➕ (@junior_cigano) January 20, 2019
And also I can not wait to see these two great champions fighting again at this time in the 135 division.
Idk what to say.
— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) January 20, 2019
Idk how to feel.
Still trying to process what just happened...#UFCBrooklyn
Early stoppage
— David Rickels (@TheCaveman316) January 20, 2019
Mma is disrespectful and gives 0 fux about no ones plans #UFConESPN
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) January 20, 2019
Holy Shiteeee Henry #ufcbrooklyn
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) January 20, 2019
Great job by Cejudo
— Amanda Nunes (@Amanda_Leoa) January 20, 2019
Message sent loud and clear! #UFConESPN
— Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) January 20, 2019
#FLYWEIGHT https://t.co/fhienWohxT
— Ben 10 Nguyen (@Ben10MMA) January 20, 2019
I love watching others fight and achieve their goals . its super inspirational @ufc get me pumped and ready for my next fight .
— Jessica Eye (@jessicaevileye) January 20, 2019
He might’ve just saved the flyweight division!
— Benito Lopez (@Savage_530) January 20, 2019
That what happens when you cut too much weight.. fluid around your brain is the LAST to be replenished. #facts #sciencebitch #beenthere
— Bec Rawlings (@RowdyBec) January 20, 2019
Damn! #UFCBrooklyn
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) January 20, 2019
ALLEN CROWDER DEF. GREG HARDY
Who y’all taking for the co main?!?!
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) January 20, 2019
Let’s give Hardy a Main Event spot now. Lol what a joke
— Zak Cummings (@ZakCummings) January 20, 2019
Is that Tom Brady’s gigantic kid brother? #UFCBrooklyn
— Scott Holtzman (@HotSauceHoltzy) January 20, 2019
I’m not sure of the exact math...but wearing double neoprene knee sleeves has infinitely increase your chances to win. Right?
— Chris Wade (@CWadeMMA) January 20, 2019
wtf is this??
— Chase Sherman (@ChaseShermanUFC) January 20, 2019
Someone tirrreedddd.
— Chase Sherman (@ChaseShermanUFC) January 20, 2019
@GregHardyJr shouldn’t take all the blame for that. These rules keep getting changed. He did wait for one knee to get up and doesn’t have enough experience to do it on purpose Prolly be the best thing for him
— Kevin MTP Lee (@MoTownPhenom) January 20, 2019
I’m not defending nobody but I call shit like I see it
— Kevin MTP Lee (@MoTownPhenom) January 20, 2019
Greg hardy has the creepiest look on his face. @ufc #wtf
— Cody Stamann (@CodyStamann) January 20, 2019
Read the rules homie #UFCbrooklyn
— Chito Vera (@chitoveraUFC) January 20, 2019
Look at this dude pic.twitter.com/kmZzBmZJaB
— Michael Johnson (@FollowTheMenace) January 20, 2019
That was the worse ending Hardy could possibly ask for.
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) January 20, 2019
What do you except when you put that level of inexperience in that high level of a fight? Sad but true #UFCBROOKLYN
— Zak Cummings (@ZakCummings) January 20, 2019
damn! I don’t even know what to think #UFCBrooklyn
— Tatiana Suarez (@TSPMMA115) January 20, 2019
He knew it was illegal. Wanted a way out. Women beaters are all cowards.
— Dan Hangman Hooker (@danthehangman) January 20, 2019
I don’t think hardy did that intentionally. That’s what happens when you rush someone to the big stage so fast. I understand he doesn’t have the best history, but give the guy a break on this one. Shit happens in fights. #UFConESPN
— Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) January 20, 2019
GREGOR GILLESPIE YANCY MEDEIROS
Let’s go Hawaiian! @ymedeiros #UFConESPN
— Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) January 20, 2019
Yancy straight grinding on the grease man!
— Chas Skelly (@ChasSkelly) January 20, 2019
Caramba esse Gregor aí não desgruda por nada. Sinistro
— Junior Dos Santos ️➕ (@junior_cigano) January 20, 2019
Amazing stamina this guy Gregor showed us. Tough, very tough style of fighting
— Junior Dos Santos ️➕ (@junior_cigano) January 20, 2019
Amazing control
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) January 20, 2019
Dominant performance from Gillespie #UFCBrooklyn pic.twitter.com/givKlqMbvz
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) January 20, 2019
@gregor_the_gift heck yeah!!!!!! Beast!!! #UFCBrooklyn
— Tatiana Suarez (@TSPMMA115) January 20, 2019
He’s got a ways to go still but I’d love to see Gillespie vs Khabib!
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) January 20, 2019
JOSEPH BENAVIDEZ DEF. DUSTIN ORTIZ
Let’s go joeB! @JoeJitsu #UFConESPN
— Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) January 20, 2019
Gotta go with Benavidez here.
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) January 20, 2019
Pretty awesome wrestling display in this fight between Benavidez and Ortiz
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) January 20, 2019
@JoeJitsu is a stud
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) January 20, 2019
I love the flyweights! I hope they keep the division!
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) January 20, 2019
This fight is a statement for the flyweight division. #UFCBrooklyn
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) January 20, 2019
Nice match at 125 , these guys are fighting for their division ! #UFCFightNight
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) January 20, 2019
The grappling in this fight #UFCBrooklyn
— Tatiana Suarez (@TSPMMA115) January 20, 2019
How the heck do you score that 3rd RD?!?! Scramble city!#UFCBrooklyn
— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) January 20, 2019
Truly enjoying the beauty of their scrambles @ufc
— Brian Ortega (@BrianTcity) January 20, 2019
Shout out to Benavidez & Ortiz for that entertaining 5 min grappling exchange in rd 3
— Nick Newell (@NotoriousNewell) January 20, 2019
PAIGE VANZANT DEF. RACHAEL OSTOVICH
Congrats on the comeback PVZ!
— Megan Anderson (@MeganA_mma) January 20, 2019
That GnP was nasty and a smooth transition to the sub!
Glad to see her back in the W column!! #UFCBrooklyn https://t.co/YLWeqZyFfO
Love women’s MMA
— Brian Ortega (@BrianTcity) January 20, 2019
VanZant or Ostovich??? Always interesting to see how a fighter will respond after an injury and long layoff. #UFConESPN
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) January 20, 2019
Wow congrats @paigevanzant !!! #UFConESPN
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) January 20, 2019
Damn @paigevanzant that was slick af
— Julie Kedzie (@julesk_fighter) January 20, 2019
Layoffs are never easy. Props to PVZ for her return...and to Ostovich for being a gangster to keep the fight. Flyweight fun time! @ufc #UFConESPN #UFCBrooklyn
— Alex Chambers (@alexchambersmma) January 20, 2019
Nothing like respect inside the Octagon @ufc #UFConESPN
— Alex Chambers (@alexchambersmma) January 20, 2019
Congratulations @paigevanzant on your victory! Hats off to @OstovichMMA for still coming into the fight and giving it your all! #UFCBrooklyn
— Julian marquez (@JMarquezMMA) January 20, 2019
Is it me but @paigevanzant visibly looks different 125 might be her new home no mas 115 #UFCBrooklyn
— Truck Gordon (@TruckMMA_UFC) January 20, 2019
GLOVER TEIXEIRA DEF. KARL ROBERSON
What a recovery and finish by Glover! #UFConESPN
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) January 20, 2019
Yes!!!! Congrats @gloverteixeira pic.twitter.com/TR3RpM8jZu
— Court McGee (@Court_McGee) January 20, 2019
Po Glovão q susto ♂️ vamos com tudo Agora #UFCBrooklyn
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) January 20, 2019
Good job @gloverteixeira what a fight great comeback #youcantTeachHeart beautiful submission #UFCBrooklyn
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) January 20, 2019
That’s called experience, I thought Karl had the finish. Then I was like whaaaaaa #UFCBrooklyn
— Julian marquez (@JMarquezMMA) January 20, 2019
Daaaaaaang! *Joe Dirt voice* I thought it was all over for @gloverteixeira w/those elbows...then BOOM! Arm triangle 15seconds later. Way to weather the storm & turn it around!! @ufc @UFCONESPN1
— Ashlee Evans-Smith (@AshleeMMA) January 20, 2019
PVZ looked much better in that 2nd RD. Back take was slick https://t.co/60oFLVpp9O
— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) January 20, 2019
DONALD CERRONE DEF. ALEXANDER HERNANDEZ
For a fight like that Donald, I’ll fight you.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) January 20, 2019
Congratulations.
I won’t keep you waiting @Cowboycerrone. Mcgregor gonna play games till December. We can fight next week https://t.co/64LhRP1Xig
— Kevin MTP Lee (@MoTownPhenom) January 20, 2019
@Cowboycerrone is a tough mofo
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) January 20, 2019
Yes baby
— Amanda Nunes (@Amanda_Leoa) January 20, 2019
@Cowboycerrone yes yes yes
— Amanda Nunes (@Amanda_Leoa) January 20, 2019
Huge @Cowboycerrone fan.
— Nina Ansaroff (@NinaAnsaroff) January 20, 2019
Beautiful first round @Cowboycerrone
— Eddie Wineland (@EddieWineland) January 20, 2019
Hernandez already bloody in the first.. cowboy looking good and very calm. #UFC
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) January 20, 2019
Awesome performance by @Cowboycerrone congrats brotha!#UFC
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) January 20, 2019
YES!!! @ufc #UFCFightNight @Cowboycerrone
— Justin Gaethje (@Justin_Gaethje) January 20, 2019
Fucking love @Cowboycerrone and that swag walking back to the corner!!
— Jimmie Rivera (@JimmieRivera135) January 20, 2019
Congratulations @Cowboycerrone what a knock out!!! #UFCBROOKLYN can’t wait to see who’s next for him!
— Jimmie Rivera (@JimmieRivera135) January 20, 2019
Cowboy look like a father that just beat the shit out of his bad ass son. #UFCBrooklyn
— Din Thomas (@DinThomas) January 20, 2019
Holy Shiiiiiit! Cowboy!!! @Cowboycerrone is one BMF!! @ufc #UFCBrooklyn
— Alex Chambers (@alexchambersmma) January 20, 2019
Wooow @Cowboycerrone is one bad mother shut yo mouth lol.... but I’m just talkin bout fighting #UFConESPN
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) January 20, 2019
@Cowboycerrone showing what a real vet can do. Great fight!
— Ian McCall (@Unclecreepymma) January 20, 2019
@Cowboycerrone is a G #UFCBrooklyn
— Kyle Bochniak UFC (@KyleBochniak) January 20, 2019
Cowboy mutha fuckin Cerrone!! @ufc #ufcbrooklyn #ufcespn
— Ray Borg (@tazmexufc) January 20, 2019
I called it... Told the wife he's going to knock him out with a head kick.
— Will Brooks (@ILLxWillBrooks) January 20, 2019
Cerrone In the Hall of Fame!!!! #UFCBrooklyn
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) January 20, 2019
Damn Cowboy looks great. The pace of this fight is insane. #UFCBrooklyn
— Tatiana Suarez (@TSPMMA115) January 20, 2019
Well happy for Donald cerone #ufc
— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) January 20, 2019
Wow! This has been one of the sickest rds ever wow @Cowboycerrone and hernandez wow @espn #UFCBrooklyn @ufc
— Truck Gordon (@TruckMMA_UFC) January 20, 2019
Shouldn’t have been talking shit! ♂️
— Benito Lopez (@Savage_530) January 20, 2019
Damn good first round for the veteran. #UFCBrooklyn
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) January 20, 2019
Beautiful. That was like the head kick he used against Rick Story. #UFCBrooklyn
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) January 20, 2019
Great victory by Cowboy Cerrone right now against Alexander but in my opinion wrong stoppage by the referee.
— Junior Dos Santos ️➕ (@junior_cigano) January 20, 2019
Alexander was still trying he should allowed him to try a little more. Fact
Fuck YES! What a round!
— Chas Skelly (@ChasSkelly) January 20, 2019
@Cowboycerrone coming to remind these kids that there are levels to this shit. #ufc #UFConESPN #UFCBrooklyn
— Zak Cummings (@ZakCummings) January 20, 2019
When Cowboy finds his rhythm , that normally = game over . Solid performance ! #UFCFightNight
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) January 20, 2019
Told ya easy fight for Cerrone well done @Cowboycerrone #UFCBrooklyn
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) January 20, 2019
@Cowboycerrone looks better then ever before #UFCBrooklyn
— Jared Gordon (@JFlashGordonMMA) January 20, 2019
Greatest fighter to currently never have held a belt is @Cowboycerrone and the man that is destined to be champion. #UFCBrooklyn
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) January 20, 2019
Whew that fight was Cowboy looked good. #UFCBrooklyn
— Scott Holtzman (@HotSauceHoltzy) January 20, 2019
Poll
Whose UFC Brooklyn performance stood out to you the most?
This poll is closed
-
29%
Henry Cejudo
-
0%
Allen Crowder
-
3%
Gregor Gillespie
-
0%
Joseph Benavidez
-
1%
Paige VanZant
-
0%
Glover Teixeira
-
64%
Donald Cerrone