FORTALEZA, Brazil – Henry Cejudo is doing everything in his power to “save” the UFC flyweight division, but is growing increasingly concerned that it’s a lost cause.

The past few months have seen the UFC trim down it’s 125-pound roster. Everything is trending toward the dissolution of the weight class, but Cejudo (14-2 MMA, 8-2) felt his 32-second TKO of bantamweight champ T.J. Dillashaw (16-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) to defend his title at UFC on ESPN+ 1 this past month could take the division off life support.

When asked about future plans for the division in the aftermath of Cejudo’s TKO of Dillashaw, UFC President Dana White did not give a direct answer, which can be taken as a worrisome sign. Moreover, Cejudo claims more notable names have been released from the promotion, including longtime contender Dustin Ortiz (19-8 MMA, 8-6 UFC) and top prospect Matheus Nicolau (13-2-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC).

“If you look at 125 right now, they just cut Dustin Ortiz,” Cejudo told MMAjunkie. “This guy just had what could have been a split decision win to (Joseph) Benavidez. These are the top guys in the world. You’re going to cut the No. 3 or No. 4 guy in the world? That just tells you where these guys’ heads are at. It’s unfortunate. I’m trying to do my best, but at the same time I’m not going to have a belt with nobody in my weight class. You got rid of Ortiz, you got rid of Matheus Nicolau, these great guys. I don’t know who else they got rid of. There’s probably only about 10 of us left. So it sucks, it’s scary.”

Cejudo said he has not been told directly by the UFC brass what is going to happen with the division he currently rules. “The Messenger” has only been champion of the weight class since August, when he took the strap for longtime titleholder Demetrious Johnson.

With his personality traits and background as an Olympic gold medalist, Cejudo is trying for the promotion to give the division more of a chance with him at the helm.

“I think the UFC, they’re kind of weeding people out,” Cejudo said. “By the time I look back there’s nobody. It has nothing to do with me. I’m doing my job, I’m fighting for the flyweight division. I said it. I tried to do a negotiation deal with Dana White on national television. He wouldn’t do it. I think that’s a question you would have to ask the boss and his people. I feel like I resurrected this division. I speak three languages, I’m pretty handsome myself. I’m aight.”

At this point, Cejudo said he’s not entirely sure what his future holds. Dillashaw has been beating the drum for an immediate rematch because of what he believes was a bad stoppage. Cejudo is open to doing it at either flyweight or bantamweight, but also said Joseph Benavidez (27-5 MMA, 14-3 UFC) factors into the situation, as well.

“If T.J. wants to run it back at 125 we can,” Cejudo said. “If he still feels like he can beat me at ’25, let’s just run it again. To go to ’35 would be for the legacy, but I’m not opposed to him coming down to ’25 again. I’m not opposed to it. But the next person in line for me would be Benavidez.”

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Gallery Henry Cejudo def. T.J. Dillashaw at UFC on ESPN+ 1: Best photos view 12 images