Since capturing his fight title, and even more so after winning his second, Henry Cejudo has turned up the theatrics. From calling for a fight with Valentina Shevchenko to cringe-worthy videos promoting himself as “Triple C”, his push to get more attention for himself has certainly been successful. 

But while some say that you can’t knock the hustle, one such fighter from UFC Washington, DC this weekend is doing exactly that. Cody Stamann is impressed by what Cejudo has accomplished as a fighter, but he can’t stand the hustle. 

“The way he’s chosen to promote himself, I think is the lowest common denominator,” Stamann says of Cejudo. “I want to respect him because of what he’s done as an athlete, but I just can’t because he’s such a dork.”

Stamann, of course, attempts to separate the athlete Cejudo from the promoter Cejudo - one of which he has a small level of respect for. 

“Can’t stand him. You got to respect what he’s done as an athlete, but I can’t stand him,” he said. “Personally I think he’s a frickin tool, but the guy wins fights.”

Although Stamann gives a nod to what Cejudo can do in the cage, he isn’t sold on his abilities on either front. In fact, Stamann doesn’t even see Cejudo as the best bantamweight in the world. That moniker he reserves for a familiar foe. 

“I think [Aljamain] Sterling beats him. Sterling is a really good grappler, and he’s long and smart,” Stamman said. “The Sterling that I fought I think is the best guy in the world. I think he’s the best bantamweight in the world.”

And when it comes to who can take that from Sterling, it’s an extremely short list - a list that contains just one name. 

“I don’t know how anyone is going to beat him,” he said. “The only person who I think can beat him is me.”

Stamann will take his first step towards that rematch this weekend when he faces off with Song Yadong as part of the main card of UFC in Washington DC.