Henry Cejudo is hanging up his gloves—again. But is this retirement for real, or just another dramatic pause in his rollercoaster career? Ahead of his UFC 323 bout against Payton Talbott, Cejudo sat down with the media in Las Vegas, and the conversation was anything but ordinary. Let’s break it down.
Cejudo, a former dual champion in both flyweight and bantamweight divisions, has had a career marked by highs and lows. After retiring in 2020 and vacating the 135-pound title, he returned three years later, only to face a string of setbacks. A title shot against Aljamain Sterling ended in defeat, followed by losses to current champ Merab Dvalishvili and a technical decision loss to Yadong Song in February. But here’s where it gets controversial: Cejudo insists this retirement is permanent—except, of course, if he decides to return for a grudge match against former champ Brandon Moreno. Yes, you read that right.
During his media day interview, Cejudo hinted that even if he had a change of heart, UFC CEO Dana White would likely shut down any attempt at another comeback. And this is the part most people miss: Cejudo’s relationship with the UFC has always been complex, and his back-and-forth retirements haven’t exactly endeared him to the brass. Is this a genuine farewell, or is Cejudo leaving the door cracked open for one last showdown?
For beginners, Cejudo’s career is a masterclass in the unpredictability of MMA. His achievements are undeniable—few fighters have held titles in two weight classes—but his recent losses and retirement drama have raised questions about his legacy. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Does Cejudo’s legacy rest on his championships, or will his retirements and unretirements overshadow his accomplishments?
As we await his bout with Talbott at T-Mobile Arena, one thing is clear: Henry Cejudo knows how to keep us talking. Whether this is truly the end or just another twist in his story, one thing’s for sure—MMA won’t be the same without him. Watch the full interview above and let us know: Do you think Cejudo’s retirement will stick, or is he saving himself for Moreno? Sound off in the comments!
