Henry Cejudo, one of the most accomplished athletes in UFC history, is once again contemplating retirement. The former UFC flyweight and bantamweight champion has declared that if he loses at UFC 298, he will hang up his gloves for good. This decision reflects his desire to either achieve ultimate success or walk away from the sport entirely.
Cejudo’s upcoming fight against Merab Dvalishvili on the main card at Honda Center in Anaheim holds significant importance for his career. Recognizing the “all or nothing” nature of this bout, Cejudo understands that a defeat could mark the end of his time in the octagon. At 37 years old, he is fueled by a sense of determination and a refusal to settle for anything less than being the best in the world.
A History of Retirement
This is not the first time Henry Cejudo has considered retirement. After successfully defending his bantamweight title against Dominick Cruz in May 2020, Cejudo surprised the MMA world by announcing his retirement during his post-fight interview. However, he returned to the sport in May 2021 after a three-year hiatus but suffered a loss to Aljamain Sterling at UFC 288. The question now is whether Cejudo will remain true to his retirement declaration if he emerges as the victor against Dvalishvili.
A win against Dvalishvili would solidify Cejudo’s position as a top contender in the UFC bantamweight division. Currently ranked No. 4 in the world in the 135-pound weight class, Cejudo would be considered a formidable force should he emerge victorious. The outcome of this fight could potentially reshape the landscape of the division and present new opportunities for the retiree-turned-contender.
In the lead-up to this crucial fight, Cejudo decided to make significant changes to his training camp. Notably, he dismissed his longtime coach Eric Albarracin, who had been with him since his Olympic days, in a video captured by a “UFC Countdown” film crew and aired on the UFC 298 preview show. This public departure garnered criticism from various figures within the MMA community, with UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski expressing strong negative sentiments. However, Cejudo emphasized that he did not take the criticism personally, as he is no stranger to delivering sharp words himself.
A Reunion Underway
Contrary to the public fallout, Cejudo and Albarracin maintain a close friendship, and there are no hard feelings between them. Albarracin revealed that he is currently in California for UFC 298, standing in the corner of middleweight contender Paulo Costa. Moreover, Cejudo and Albarracin reunited at the UFC hotel, signaling the strength of their bond. Cejudo recognizes the indispensable role Albarracin plays in his career and likens their partnership to that of Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson.
For this fight, Cejudo decided to return to his longtime gym, Fight Ready MMA in Scottsdale, Arizona. However, he opted to work with a different group of coaches, such as Everton Lopes, Guillermo “Memo” Torres, and Josh Kramer. Cejudo’s intention was to streamline his training process and focus on refining specific aspects of his skill set. He aimed to avoid having too many voices and perspectives, emphasizing the need to delve into the intricate details of his preparation.
As Cejudo gears up for the ultimate showdown, the question on everyone’s minds is whether retirement will truly beckon if he falls short. While the former champion has insisted that he will retire if he loses, the MMA community eagerly watches to see if his resolve will hold true this time. Whatever the outcome, Cejudo’s journey and his impact on the sport will leave an indelible mark on the realm of mixed martial arts.
Henry Cejudo stands at a crossroads in his career. With retirement looming as a consequence of defeat, he is motivated to deliver his best performance yet. As fans and critics await the outcome of the fight, only time will tell how this chapter of Cejudo’s story will unfold.
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