Cejudo defends UFC belt with record victory over Dillashaw

NEW YORK — Henry Cejudo needed only a record 32 seconds to defend his 125-pound title in New York. Cejudo’s next defense was a passionate one for the flyweights — and the hope that the pounding he put on T.J. Dillashaw early Sunday was enough to keep a sparkling new UFC title belt around his waist for more than one fight.

Cejudo turned champ vs. champ into a super quick mismatch.

Cejudo made the first main event on ESPN-plus the fastest finish ever in a flyweight championship fight. Cejudo was a buzzsaw at Barclays

Center and never let Dillashaw, the 135-pound champ, catch his breath in a blink-and-miss-it finish.

UFC President Dana White wrapped the new title belt — created to signify the company’s new era on ESPN — around Cejudo’s waist as the crowd booed the quick end.

Cejudo might not get another title defense. He defeated longtime champion Demetrious Johnson to win the belt and reign in a division that has drawn scant interest with fans or serious contenders in the class.

The division is on the brink of extinction and Cejudo made his case all week to keep the 125 pounders fighting. He dedicated the victory to the flyweights in an octagon interview that lasted longer than his fight.

“I hope that’s good enough to keep this weight division alive,” he said.

Cejudo offered to move up to 135 pounds to fight Dillashaw again — this time for Dillashaw’s title.

Former NFL star Greg Hardy’s first UFC fight ended with a disqualification loss after he blasted Allen Crowder with an illegal knee to stop the fight in the second round.