UFC 323 Recap: Henry Cejudo Announces Retirement Following Defeat to Payton Talbott
Henry Cejudo announced his retirement following a unanimous decision loss to Payton Talbott at UFC 323. This event took place on December 6, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Cejudo’s career ended with a record of 16-6, marking a significant milestone in the mixed martial arts community.
Summary of the Fight
In an engaging three-round matchup, Talbott outperformed Cejudo, winning all three judges’ scorecards with identical scores of 30-27. The fight showcased Talbott’s size and youth advantage, as he effectively utilized his reach and striking skills. At just 27 years old, he was able to dominate the exchanges against the aging Cejudo.
Cejudo’s Performance
Despite the loss, Cejudo displayed resilience throughout the fight. His tactical leg kicks occasionally found success, and there were moments that hinted at his renowned wrestling pedigree, although he struggled to secure takedowns or maintain dominant positions. Talbott also showcased his improved wrestling by taking Cejudo down twice during the bout.
A Respectful Farewell
Post-fight, an emotional moment unfolded as Cejudo kneeled in exhaustion and had a heartfelt exchange with UFC President Dana White. During this interaction, Cejudo humorously requested a $50,000 bonus, which White granted as a sign of respect for his contributions to the sport.
Cejudo’s Legacy in MMA
Henry Cejudo’s illustrious career is highlighted by his unique status as the only individual to achieve both a UFC championship and an Olympic gold medal. His accomplishments include winning the Olympic gold in freestyle wrestling in 2008 and notable victories in the UFC against champions like Demetrious Johnson and T.J. Dillashaw.
Despite recent losses and evident decline, Cejudo’s legacy is firmly established. He retires recognized not only for his achievements but also for his fighting spirit and character in the Octagon.
The Rise of Payton Talbott
With his victory over Cejudo, Payton Talbott has firmly positioned himself as a rising threat in the bantamweight division. This win early in his career demonstrates his potential as a future title challenger. Analysts believe that Talbott’s continued improvement, particularly in takedown defense, could lead him to elite status in the sport.
UFC 323 Results
| Matchup | Result |
|---|---|
| Peyton Talbott vs. Henry Cejudo | Talbott wins by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) |
| Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili (c) | Yan wins by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47) |
| Joshua Van vs. Alexandre Pantoja (c) | Van wins by TKO (injury) at 0:26 of round 1 |
| Tatsuro Taira vs. Brandon Moreno | Taira wins by TKO (ground-and-pound) at 2:24 of round 2 |
UFC 323 will be remembered not only for the crowning of new contenders but also for the emotional farewell of Henry Cejudo. His impact on the sport will resonate long after his retirement.
