Henry Cejudo: ‘Triple C’ Henry Cejudo is one of the biggest names in MMA. The former UFC champion is only one of four fighters to simultaneously hold two belts in the UFC. However, at just 33, Cejudo announced his retirement from the UFC. So ahead of his return, we look back at why Henry Cejudo retired from the UFC. Follow UFC 288: Sterling vs Cejudo LIVE Streaming updates with Insidesport.IN.
Cejudo will come out of retirement this weekend to face current bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling, for the belt that he never lost. The two will compete in the main event of a stacked card that also features former champion Jessica Andrade, Gilbert Burns, Belal Muhammad, and others.
WATCH: When and Why Did Henry Cejudo Retire From UFC?
Why did Henry Cejudo retire from the UFC?
Cejudo announced his retirement in the post-fight interview after his victory over Dominick Cruz. The two fought on the undercard of Tony Ferguson vs Justin Gaethje back in 2020, soon after the first lockdown. And Cejudo proved yet again he was the best in the world, with a stunning victory over one of the best in the world in Dominick Cruz.
In his post-fight interview, Cejudo referenced his family and daughter as the main reason. In addition, Cejudo also said he was happy with his career, he achieved everything he set out to, and he has been competing since he was 11 years old.
More recently, Cejudo uploaded a video on his YouTube channel explaining why he retired and why he decided to come back. In that video, Cejudo referenced all the same reasons, including how he no longer felt challenged or excited given what he achieved.
In addition to this, in the recently uploaded UFC Countdown video for UFC 288, Cejudo explained that he got tired of competing. The American said he has competed at a high level since he was 11 years old and after he had his daughter, the former champion felt it was time to stop competing. Moreover, very few fighters have the opportunity to retire as the champion of two divisions.
Therefore, Cejudo’s reasons for retiring have always been consistent. And there is not much to argue with him either, given what he achieved. However, clearly, he feels Sterling is an exciting enough challenge for him to come out of retirement.
What do you make of Henry Cejudo’s decision to come out of retirement? Do you think it will backfire?
Follow UFC 288: Sterling vs Cejudo LIVE Streaming updates with Insidesport.IN.