It's the end of an era! Henry Cejudo, the former two-division UFC champion, is stepping away from the octagon, again. After a remarkable career that includes an Olympic gold medal in wrestling and multiple UFC titles, Cejudo has confirmed that his upcoming fight at UFC 323 will be his last. This decision comes after a three-year hiatus from the sport, a testament to his dedication and the physical toll of combat sports.
Cejudo, who initially retired after winning the UFC bantamweight title, returned in 2023. Now, facing bantamweight prospect Payton Talbott, he's ready to hang up his gloves for good, regardless of the outcome of the fight. "This is it for me," Cejudo stated, highlighting his readiness to move on. He added that the only exception to this retirement would be a 'big fight with some other Mexican'.
He reflects on a life dedicated to competition, starting at the age of 11, and expresses satisfaction with his achievements. He now prioritizes spending more time with his children.
Cejudo's return for this fight was also motivated by the unsatisfying ending of his previous bout, where he lost to Song Yadong due to a technical decision in February. A gruesome eye poke prevented him from continuing, and he wants his final appearance to be on his terms. He wants to give it his all, to get a fair fight.
But here's where it gets controversial... Cejudo's opponent, Payton Talbott, is someone he actually respects. They even trained together briefly at Cejudo's home gym in Arizona. Cejudo acknowledges Talbott's skills and humility, adding an interesting layer to their upcoming match. Cejudo also shared that he was injured during the fight camp before his fight with Merab Dvalishvili, and Talbott knew about it.
Cejudo's legacy is already secured. He is one of the most decorated athletes in combat sports. This final fight isn't about chasing another win but about achieving a satisfying conclusion, free from the unfortunate circumstances of his last fight.
What do you think? Do you agree with Cejudo's decision to retire? Will he be successful in his final fight? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
