Cejudo: I don’t know what to say

Two-time Olympic gold medalist and #2 UFC flyweight contender Henry Cejudo spoke recently with Jesse Granger for the Las Vegas Sun, about his experience coaching ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ 24.

One thing I’ve learned from this show is coaching is not for me,” he said candidly. “It’s just too much. It consumes your whole life. I can teach and simplify things very well, but to coach is another level. I respect my coaches more now. As a fighter, it’s a very selfish thing because everything is about you. It’s crazy to actually put myself last.

The affable Cejudo also conceded he is not expert at the McGregor/Sonnen/Ali/Gorgeous George trash talk that so effectively puts asses in seats.

I think [Benavidez] genuinely doesn’t like me, said Cejudo. I’m not used to this stuff. I’m more of the guy that stays in his own lane. I interact when I have to but I’m not out there poking people because it’s not my style.

For one I’m not a good crap talker and you can see it on the show. I don’t know what to say.

The usual winner of TUF gets a contract that could be worth up to $100,000. The winner of TUF 24 gets a title shot at flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson.

Training these eight guys, I’m glad to be a part of it,” sid Cejudo. Because if I can help them beat the best pound for pound fighter then kudos to them.”

The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions (AKA The Ultimate Fighter 24 Finale) will be held on December 3, 2016, at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. Johnson will fight the season winner in the main event. In the co-main, Cejudo will fight opposing coach and #1 contender Joseph Benavidez.

I visualize myself sticking to the game plan, said Cejudo. I think I’m the better athlete, the better wrestler, and the better striker.

The winner of that fight presumably gets the winner of the main event. Cejudo would welcome a rematch.

I really didn’t fight Demetrious Johnson and I’ve said that before,” said Cejudo. “I got hit to the body and I wasn’t able to test my skills against his. I went into that fight knowing that today I’m going to become a world champion. I thought I was just going to manhandle this dude. Little did I know, surprise, surprise. Welcome to MMA.