Dana White gives promising update on men’s flyweight division

There has long been reason to suspect that the UFC men’s flyweight division is doomed. From the promotion’s decision to part ways with former flyweight champion and bona fide MMA legend Demetrious Johnson to its subsequent release of a slew of top flyweights, the signs have not be good. Yet Dana White says the division isn’t going anywhere.

Despite the fact that the UFC’s flyweight purge has left the division looking like a ghost town, populated by more tumbleweeds than actual fighters, the UFC boss says the division is staying.

He credited UFC flyweight champ Henry Cejudo, who won bantamweight gold with a TKO win over Marlon Moraes in the UFC 238 main event, with helping to keep the division around.

“Obviously him winning had a lot to do with the division,” White said post-fight (via MMA Junkie). “Did I say it’s going away? Did I say it’s leaving? I haven’t even talked about that division in months. Yes, it is confirmed (it’s sticking around).”

Image via @ufceurope on Instagram

Of course, even with these comments from Dana White, there’s no denying that the men’s flyweight division is in a tough spot. Not only is it down to about 12 fighters, but the reigning champion Cejudo seems to have no plans to defend his flyweight belt.

Speaking to Joe Rogan post-fight, Cejudo called for title defenses opposite Urijah Faber, Dominick Cruz and Cody Garbrandt — all bantamweights.

Whatever the case, Dana White sure seems sold on the UFC’s newest two-division champion.

“I’m blown away,” White said. “This guy has heard it all, from ‘Oh, you didn’t really beat Demetrious (Johnson),’ ‘It was a fluke when you knocked out T.J. (Dillashaw)’ – you can’t deny the guy anymore. He’s awesome.”

What do you think of this update from Dana White? Do you think the men’s flyweight division is really staying?

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 6/9/2019.