Formiga Won't Fight Until Cejudo Returns: 'I'm Going to Wait for my Chance at the Title'

Jussier Formiga is currently the No. 1 contender in the Ultimate Fighting Championship's beleaguered flyweight division. With champion Henry Cejudo sidelined due to injury, it's unclear when the 125-pound belt will be eligible for competition. Add to that, Cejudo is also the bantamweight champion, so should he return as expected by year's end, it's unknown which title he'll choose to defend first.

This Saturday in Minneapolis, Formiga will have a chance to solidify his position as the next in line to challenge for UFC gold. The Brazilian will meet No. 2-ranked Joseph Benavidez in a co-main event bout that will air live on ESPN.

After Cejudo's spectacular win over bantamweight Marlon Moraes last month to become a two-weight champion, UFC president Dana White confirmed that the flyweight division was still safe.

For the 34-year-old Formiga, added attention to his division is only as good as it's champion's activity. "It's good because Cejudo got two belts, it brings more visibility to the division, but it's not that great that I have to win and wait," said Formiga through a translator. "If I win this fight on Saturday, I'm going to wait for my chance at the title shot."

The 23-5 fighter has won his last four in a row and expects to add a fifth victory when he faces off against Benavidez. "I'm beating Benavidez, I'm going to be the No. 1 contender and I'm going to sit on it until Cejudo's back."

UFC on ESPN 3: Ngannou vs. Dos Santos goes this Saturday, June 29, at the Target Center in Minneapolis. The entire night of fights will air live on ESPN starting at 6 p.m. ET.