Cejudo ‘humbled’ by loss at UFC 197, ‘underestimated’ Johnson’s clinch

Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo entered UFC 197 brimming with confidence. The freestyle wrestling specialist, who captured gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, successfully transferred his grappling skills to the Octagon and catapulted to title contention with 10 straight wins.

Looking to replicate his Olympic success in the UFC, Cejudo took on flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson in last night’s co-main event and found success early in the fight with a takedown. From that moment, however, it was all downhill for the 29-year-old.

Johnson sprung back to his feet with authority and began dismantling Cejudo from the clinch. ‘Mighty Mouse’ attacked with a barrage of knees to the face and body, eventually wilting Cejudo with a body shot midway through the first round. It signalled the end for ‘The Messenger’, who was left writhing on the ground and saved by referee big John McCarthy from further punishment.

What makes the experience all the more humbling for Cejudo is that fact that he had trained specifically to wear Johnson down in the clinch.

“Honestly, …

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