UFC on ESPN+ 1 results: Henry Cejudo finishes TJ Dillashaw in 32 seconds
The UFC’s first event on the ESPN family of networks was headlined by a champion vs. champion matchup for the UFC flyweight title.
TJ Dillashaw, the UFC bantamweight champion, dropped down to 125 pounds to challenge Henry Cejudo for the UFC flyweight title at UFC on ESPN+ 1. The event took place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Dillashaw captured the bantamweight title for the second time when he knocked out Cody Garbrandt in the second round at UFC 217 in November 2017. Dillashaw would leave no doubt in the heated rivalry with his former teammate when he knocked Garbrandt out again — this time in the first round — in August in the main event of UFC 227. Dillashaw looked to become the third fighter in UFC history to hold two belts in two different weight classes simultaneously.
Standing in his way was Cejudo, an Olympic gold medalist, and flyweight champion. “The Messenger” captured the title, and ended the longest title reign in UFC history, when he defeated Demetrious Johnson in August at UFC 227 via split decision. Cejudo had immediately called to challenge for the 135-pound title, but got the chance to fight one of the pound-for-pound best fighters on the planet in his own weight class — a weight class that, reportedly, is on its last legs.
Fight Recap:
ROUND 1
On a personal note, I can’t get enough of TJ Dillashaw shouting in Bruce Buffer’s face when he is being introduced. The champion vs. champion headliner gets underway with both guys taking the center of the Octagon. Dillashaw lands a pair of leg kicks. Cejudo drops Dillashaw with a head kick and a left hand! Dillashaw is in big, big trouble. Dillashaw is trying to get to his feet but Cejudo lands a pulverizing right hand, followed by a left hand and that’s it! Henry Cejudo finishes the bantamweight champion quickly.
Official result: Henry Cejudo def. TJ Dillashaw via TKO – Round 1, 0:32
The Messenger is the first to get the new belt wrapped around his waist!#UFCBrooklyn @HenryCejudo pic.twitter.com/AP9FIUhmTt
— UFC (@ufc) January 20, 2019
