Demetrious Johnson Breaks Down How Former Rival-Turned-Friend Henry Cejudo Would Fare Against Sean O'Malley: 'If I Had To Put $10,000 On It...'

While interviewing O'Malley's coach, Tim Welch, Johnson was asked by the trainer how he thinks a fight between the reigning champ and former two-division titleholder Cejudo would play out.

"Mighty Mouse" didn't write off his former opponent-turned-frequent training partner, and instead outlined Cejudo's path to victory. But despite seeing a route to success for "Triple C," he ultimately leaned the other way.

"I think what (would) happen, honestly — Henry loves to play borders, he loves to control the distance," Johnson said. "Sean is faster on the feet, he has better hands. I know Henry and I train with Henry; Henry's gonna attack that lead leg, he's going to attack it. He won't deviate from that, and I think that's one of Henry's downfalls. He loves the distance too much, instead of utilizing what he does very well, which is his wrestling and that inside trip.

"If Henry can get to Sean and take out Sean's lead leg, then I think Sean's gonna have trouble, and I think it's gonna be the same thing when he fights Merab," Johnson continued. "But, if Sean can go lateral, use his feints, sell it, use the teep kick, lands the right shot, then I think Sean would beat Henry Cejudo... If I had to put $10,000 on it, I would pick Sean to beat Henry Cejudo because I know Sean's gonna be longer. There's a huge discrepancy there with the range advantage."

Despite going 0-2 since his return to competition in 2023, Cejudo has frequently expressed confidence when it comes to how he'd fare opposite O'Malley. And that trend continued during a recent video breaking down the champ's win over Marlon Vera at UFC 299.

Before putting his self-belief to the test, however, Cejudo must first return to winning ways. Despite talk of another retirement, "Triple C" has once again recommitted himself to a push back toward top spot at 135 pounds.