Jose Torres Concerned About Future Of UFC Flyweight Division

In the latest episode of his web series “Inside Team Shorty (via MMA Junkie), Jose Torres said that he wasn’t sure about the future of the UFC flyweight division, saying it “doesn’t look good.” Here are highlights:

On how the departure of Demetrious Johnson could hurt the division: “The UFC flyweight division, honestly, hasn’t been very notable, and (Johnson) was the best thing we had to offer. When we look at the bigger picture here, we had the best pound-for-pound champion in the UFC’s history, and even then Dana White wanted to close – or at least threatened to close – the division. What’s it mean for us now that he’s gone? What do we, as flyweights, have to offer? Honestly, again, I believe we are one of the most talented divisions out there. We might not have heavyweight knockout power, but we have the speed, the technique and everything else to make up for it. Again, we do have exciting fights, but sadly, we’re not as well-promoted as the lightweights, the welterweights, the light heavies and heavyweights, so what does that mean for us small guys?”

On Henry Cejudo needing to defend the title: “From my personal perspective, I think (Cejudo) should at least defend the belt once, show that you’re not just a champion but a dominant one at that, and then move up to the next level and see if that’s the right thing for you. With a new champion that doesn’t even want to defend the belt and honestly with the fans not knowing any other flyweight besides Demetrious Johnson and Henry Cejudo and maybe Sergio Pettis, honestly, it doesn’t look good for us. Now again, this is all under speculation, all opinion-based rumors from what I’ve heard. Nothing has been confirmed. … This is just me looking at the bigger picture from a business standpoint. Again, I’m a flyweight fighter. I believe i’m entertaining. I believe I can put on a show and really show the fans that we are exciting fighters, but from a business standpoint, when’s the last time you saw a flyweight main event?”

On the future of the division: “I know flyweights are scheduled for November, and even December, but is anyone scheduled to fight in January, February, or overall in the year 2019? That, I don’t know. I don’t have a fight yet, and I’m still waiting. But I’m lucky because I was a two-weight-class champion in Titan FC. I fought at ’25 and ’35 and even defended both belts, but does that matter to the UFC? I have no clue. They can keep me or cut me if they cut the flyweight division. That’s all their choice.”