Former UFC bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo has advised featherweight fighter Alex Volkanovski to skip his scheduled bout against Ilia Topuria at UFC 297. In a recent post-fight interview after UFC 294, Volkanovski revealed personal struggles that could potentially leave him vulnerable in the upcoming fight against Topuria. Cejudo believes that Volkanovski's openness about his psychological challenges may make him a target for his opponents.

Cejudo expressed his concerns on his YouTube channel, stating, "I think the biggest mistake that Alexander could do is share a lot of who he is as a person to the people. If I'm a competitor and I see all that vulnerability, especially after getting knocked out, I'll be picking at him."

Cejudo further elaborated on the potential consequences of Volkanovski's revelation, particularly for Topuria. He suggested that Topuria could take advantage of Volkanovski's psychological state, knowing that he becomes anxious and goes through a struggle when he is not fighting. If Topuria can convince Volkanovski to fight earlier than planned, it could increase his chances of defeating the champion. Cejudo emphasized the importance of athletes keeping certain aspects of their personal lives private to avoid exposing themselves to potential opponents.

Despite the upcoming fight being less than three months away, Volkanovski is still negotiating a defense of his 145-pound title against Topuria at UFC 297 in Toronto. Early scouting reports suggest that Topuria could pose a significant challenge to Volkanovski's reign as featherweight champion. Cejudo argued that, given Volkanovski's recent knockout and concussion, he should consider taking a break to allow his brain to heal properly. Cejudo recommended humility, urging Volkanovski to focus on his recovery rather than rushing into a fight where he might not perform at his best.

The decision regarding Volkanovski's participation in UFC 297 is yet to be determined, with an announcement expected in the coming weeks. It remains to be seen whether Volkanovski will take Cejudo's advice and prioritize his recovery, or if he will proceed with the scheduled fight against Topuria. The outcome of this decision will greatly impact both fighters and could potentially shape the future of the featherweight division.