MMA News Roundup: Former UFC champ breaks silence over Mexican heritage issue, Jon Jones accused of "running" by former challenger, Alex Pereira thinks Khamzat Chimaev is all talk (Oct. 19, 2022)

Welcome to today's edition of Sportskeeda's daily MMA News Roundup, where we present the biggest UFC updates and other stories from the world of mixed martial arts.

In today's issue, we talk about a former UFC fighter addressing the controversy surrounding his recent comments, Jon Jones' former title challenger accusing 'Bones' of avoiding a rematch, and more.

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#3 Henry Cejudo weighs in on criticism he received for recent comments regarding Mexican heritage

Former UFC two-division champion Henry Cejudo has broken his silence after receiving backlash over some recent comments he made about his Mexican heritage.

Cejudo found himself in hot water for saying he's "first and foremost" American and that people wouldn't find photos of him carrying the Mexican flag. He made the comments during a campaign event for Republican candidate Kari Lake.

During a recent live Q&A on YouTube, Cejudo spoke out for the first time since the incident:

"I'm Mexican-American or American-Latino – however the hell you wanna call it. I got a bunch of stuff for, saying... You know what I mean, I'm American and I think people need to realize the fact that, you know, I am American with Mexican descent. Doesn't mean I'm a sellout. It just means I love my country this much."

Watch the video below:

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#2. Dominick Reyes claims Jon Jones has been "running" from him for 2 years

Former light heavyweight title challenger Dominick Reyes believes Jon Jones has been "running" from him over the last couple of years.

Reyes pushed Jones to the brink of defeat when they met in the main event of UFC 247. However, 'Bones' was able to retain the belt by eking out a close unanimous decision win.

Over two years now since they fought, Reyes believes Jones has been avoiding a rematch. Speaking with The Schmo in a recent interview, Reyes said:

"Plot twist - I'm coming for him [Jon Jones]. I might have to [move to heavyweight] one day. I mean, he's been running for what? Two years now from me... But you know, Jon is Jon. We'll see what happens. I have no idea. I don't even know if he's training."

Catch the interview below:

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#1. UFC middleweight contender Alex Pereira thinks Khamzat Chimaev is just bluffing

Alex Pereira thinks Khamzat Chimaev's callouts are nothing but empty threats.

The No.1 middleweight contender recently told Helen Yee that Chimaev is just a "hype train" and added that the Chechen-born Swede has no serious intentions of fighting him. 'Poatan' said:

"Well we think he just jump on that hype train to get a moment, you know. He don't wanna fight with [me]. I think even if Dana White goes to him and says, 'You can fight Pereira now and regardless of the result, you can still fight for the belt next,' we don't think he would."

Watch the interview below: