Former UFC featherweight kingpin Jose Aldo will no longer be challenging Henry Cejudo for the promotions bantamweight title at UFC 250.

As reported by Combate, Aldo’s removal from the event stems from the Covid-19 pandemic which has forced the legend to remain in Brazil.

UFC 250 was originally slated to place in Aldo’s home nation, but the virus outbreak has forced the promotion to seek a new venue and location, likely on US soul.

Stepping in on short notice for Jose Aldo is none other than former bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz.

‘The Dominator’ has not competed inside the Octagon since losing the 135-pound strap to Cody Garbrandt at UFC 207 in December of 2016.

Although Cruz recently called for the Cejudo bout, the announcement is still shocking given Dominick’s long layoff.

Nonetheless, Dominick Cruz will challenge Henry Cejudo at UFC 250 on May 9.

Dear @HenryCejudo,

The real king has already been told that we’re fighting May 9th. I’ll see you there.

P.S. -Bring your other tiny lil friend @cptdasamericas so I can slap you both around. 👋 👋

-Signed, Sealed, Delivered- — Dominick Cruz (@DominickCruz) April 9, 2020

“Dear Henry Cejudo, The real king has already been told that we’re fighting May 9th. I’ll see you there. P.S. -Bring your other tiny lil friend @ cptdasamericas so I can slap you both around. -Signed, Sealed, Delivered-”

It did not take long for ‘Triple C’ to respond to Dominick Cruz, Cejudo fired back with the following.

https://twitter.com/HenryCejudo/status/1248093447262580736

“Keep begging me!”

Macelo Russio of Combate would later confirm Cruz’s statement.

BREAKING: Jose Aldo is out of UFC 250. Dominick Cruz steps in to fight Henry Cejudo for the bantamweight title. Verbal agreement. By @raphamarinho and @anahissa. https://t.co/8aKb5OQVXX — Marcelo Russio (@MarceloRussio) April 9, 2020

“BREAKING: Jose Aldo is out of UFC 250. Dominick Cruz steps in to fight Henry Cejudo for the bantamweight title. Verbal agreement. By @ raphamarinho and @ anahissa.”

Henry Cejudo (15-2 MMA) captured the promotions vacant bantamweight title at UFC 238 by defeating Marlon Moraes by way of TKO.

What do you think of the news that former bantamweight kingpin Dominick Cruz will return from a 40-month layoff to challenge Henry Cejudo for the promotions 135lbs title on May 9? Share your thoughts in the comments section of this post Penn Nation!

This article first appeared on BJPENN.com on April 9, 2020