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Jussier Formiga claims he was unofficial back-up plan for Johnson-Cejudo, hopes to earn title shot at UFC 229

Jussier Formiga has been pursuing a chance to fight for the UFC flyweight belt for over five years, and a win at UFC 229 might put him closer than ever to a championship bout.

Once considered the best 125-pounder in the world, in times where flyweights weren’t welcome in the Octagon, Formiga enters the eight-sided cage Saturday night in Las Vegas to battle Sergio Pettis hoping that the winner of this contest will be considered the next in line for the gold against Henry Cejudo.

Coming off submission wins over Ulka Sasaki and Ben Nguyen in enemy territory, Formiga told MMA Fighting he was a back-up plan in case something happened to either Cejudo or Demetrious Johnson in their championship bout at UFC 227 on Aug.