UFC 238 results: Henry Cejudo stops Marlon Moraes (highlights)

In the main event of the stacked UFC 238 card, reigning UFC flyweight champion Henry Cejudo stepped up to the bantamweight division to battle streaking contender Marlon Moraes for the vacant title.

The bantamweight title was left vacant when former champion TJ Dillashaw was stripped after testing positive for EPO.

Henry Cejudo entered the fight having recently stopped Dillashaw in a flyweight title fight — in less than a minute. Prior to that win, which marked his first title defense, he upset the great Demetrious Johnson to win the flyweight belt. To say he was on an impressive run as he made his attempt to become a two-division UFC champion would be an understatement.

Marlon Moraes, of course, entered the fight on a hell of run himself. The Brazilian, who is the former World Series of Fighting bantamweight champion, lost a split decision to Raphael Assuncao in his UFC debut, but has since rattled off impressive victories over top-flight foes in John Dodson, Aljamain Sterling, Jimmie Rivera, and most recently, the aforementioned Assuncao. Only Dodson survived to the final bell with the Brazilian finisher.

iiiiiiiiiiit's TIME! #UFC238 pic.twitter.com/JLVC4H7TlS

— UFC (@ufc) June 9, 2019

Marlon Moraes started this one strong, brutalizing his smaller foe with kicks across all levels — particularly to the legs. Even early, the power differential between the two fighters was quite clearly in favor of the Brazilian. Although Henry Cejudo offered little in the way of return fire, he survived to the end of the round.

Early in round two, the tides began to turn. Cejudo seemed to rattle Moraes with a punch. Seemingly having earned his foe’s respect, he began to have more success on the feet, although Moraes still seemed to be dictating the action with his kicks. The round ended with Cejudo cranking up the offense, landing a procession of crackling punching combinations and some nice knees.

Putting it together!@HenryCejudo is throwing BIG rights! #UFC238 pic.twitter.com/mjRVFMn9cO

— UFC (@ufc) June 9, 2019

In round three, Henry Cejudo really cranked it up, pulverizing his larger foe with punches and knees. Mid-way through the round, the flyweight champ secured a takedown, briefly threatened with a choke, and began to thump his foe with ground strikes. Moraes’ endurance was clearly fading, and Cejudo was not letting the opportunity to go to waste. A few hammer fists later, and the deed was done.

DOUBLE CHAMP! @HenryCejudo #UFC238 pic.twitter.com/gsFpDN2KCw

— UFC (@ufc) June 9, 2019

Henry Cejudo is now a two-division UFC champion.

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 6/8/2019.