It’s just a prank, bro.
In what is one of the more bizarre fight week happenings in recent memory, former two-weight world champion Henry Cejudo has suggested a viral video in which he appeared to ‘fire’ his longtime coach Eric Albarracin ahead of his UFC 298 clash with Merab Dvalishvili was little more than a little fun to ignite some speculation online.
“You were with me from my last Olympic trials, you’ve been there for me,” Cejudo originally said to Albarracin in a video clip featured on the UFC 298 Countdown show. “But, as of right now, I just want to let you know that for this camp, dude, I’m getting rid of specific coaches, man. That’s you included, dude.”
This somewhat bizarre exchange landed Cejudo in hot water with some of MMA biggest names — including featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski, who told The Mac Life on Tuesday that he did not appreciate Cejudo’s actions.
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“What? Is that legit or what? Is this some weird way of marketing or promoting?” Volkanovski said. “I just don’t get it. In front of the cameras just seems so weird.”
The Australian added: “I thought he looked like he was taking it in, but I just don’t get it. You’re an absolute prick if you’re doing that and thought, ‘This would be good content, and I’m going to make the most of this,’ and go out and do that.
“Henry, if this is legit, you are a piece of sh*t, let me tell you that right now. That’s crazy to me. That’s why I don’t believe it. I don’t think he’s that much of a sh*tbag to do that. I don’t think he is. I don’t get it. I really don’t get it. It’s crazy to me. Maybe he’s just all about himself, so full of himself that he doesn’t care about anyone around him. Maybe, I don’t know.”
But in a video posted to Cejudo’s social media, both men referenced the speculation.
“Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, Phil Jackson, Michael Jordan, c’mon, you think they would ever break up? C’mon, man,” Albarracin says to a group of people alongside Cejudo.
“Just so you guys know, this is the greatest combat coach of all time,” Cejudo adds. “This is an unbreakable bond.”
Check out Volkanovski’s comments, as well as his thoughts on this weekend’s title fight with Ilia Topuria, in the video clip below.
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