Henry Cejudo is set to step back into the Octagon at UFC 323, where he will face Payton Talbott. This fight, scheduled for Saturday night, could mark the end of an illustrious career for Cejudo, who is widely regarded as one of the most decorated athletes in combat sports history. At 38 years old, Cejudo shared his thoughts on this pivotal moment in an interview with the television show TMZ Sports, which airs nightly on FS1.
In the interview, Cejudo confirmed, “Saturday’s my last fight. I’ve been doing this since the age of 11. Do I still have it physically? 100%. But I just feel like I’ve been able to learn a lot of new things in life, and I’m just ready for the second chapter, man.” This sentiment reflects a significant transition for Cejudo, who made history as one of only 11 fighters in UFC history to hold championships in two divisions. Additionally, he is the only one among them to have won an Olympic gold medal in freestyle wrestling.
Cejudo’s perspective on the emotional aspects of his impending retirement fight is notably pragmatic. “Not really. To me, it’s just another fight,” he remarked with a laugh. He acknowledged feelings of gratitude towards his coaches and training partners, saying, “If there’s anything that kind of came up, it’s just a little bit of gratitude, you going through these hard camps and having coaches and training partners sacrifice their time for you.” Despite these reflections, Cejudo emphasized that once the fight begins, it is all business.
As he approaches this new chapter in his life, Cejudo has plans that extend beyond the Octagon. He noted, “I want to enjoy the holidays. I’m dabbling in real estate, and a bunch of other stuff. Obviously, the content with Pound 4 Pound. I’m happy with this decision.” This shift suggests a desire to explore various opportunities as he transitions from professional fighting to other ventures.
In the lead-up to UFC 323, Cejudo is also focused on the physical challenges he will face. He will contend with a notable height disadvantage of seven inches against Talbott, adding an interesting dynamic to the matchup. The fight promises to be a significant one, not only for Cejudo’s career but also for the bantamweight division as a whole.
As fans look forward to this showdown on Saturday, Cejudo’s legacy in the sport remains firmly established. His achievements and contributions to mixed martial arts will undoubtedly resonate long after he hangs up his gloves. The anticipation builds as he prepares for what might be his final walk to the Octagon, a moment that will be remembered by fans and fellow fighters alike.
