Henry Cejudo Announces Retirement After UFC 323 Confirming “This Is It for Me”
Henry Cejudo has announced his retirement from mixed martial arts, revealing that his upcoming bout will be his final fight. The former two-division UFC champion has reflected on his career and declared, “This is it for me.” Cejudo will face bantamweight prospect Payton Talbott at UFC 323, with plans to retire afterward regardless of the outcome.
Final Fight Announcement
Cejudo’s decision to retire comes after a previous hiatus of three years. He left the sport following his victory in the bantamweight division before making a return in 2023. The announcement was made in a press conference where he expressed his desire for a satisfying conclusion to his combat career.
Reflecting on Past Challenges
The 36-year-old fighter suffered a disappointing defeat in February against Song Yadong, where he was unable to continue due to an eye poke. Cejudo is determined not to let that ending define his legacy.
Quote from Cejudo
- “Just giving it your all,” he stated about his upcoming fight.
- “It’s not even about anything else, just giving what I have.”
Respect for His Opponent
Cejudo acknowledges the skills of Talbott, mentioning their previous interactions. The two trained together briefly in Arizona, and Cejudo praised Talbott as a humble individual. Their shared experience in training has added an intriguing layer to their upcoming bout.
Career Accomplishments
Cejudo is already regarded as one of the most successful athletes in combat sports, having achieved significant milestones, including an Olympic gold medal in wrestling. He aims to leave the octagon with dignity and pride.
As UFC 323 approaches, all eyes will be on Cejudo as he seeks closure in his remarkable career, defined by resilience and excellence.
