Cejudo’s Comeback Dilemma: The Return of the King?
Henry Cejudo, the fighter who once soared to the top of the UFC as a two-division champion, now finds himself at a crossroads. Six months have passed since his last bout, where he suffered a defeat to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 298, a fight that many saw as a title eliminator. Since then, Cejudo has been balancing life as a father of two, a 2024 Olympic Games spectator in Paris, and a key figure in the up-and-coming MMA promotion, United Fight League. But despite the many hats he now wears, the itch to return to competition hasn’t faded.
The Road to Recovery: A Battle Against Time
In an interview with MMA Junkie, Cejudo opened up about the struggles he’s faced while trying to recover from a nagging injury. “I’ve been icing an injury now for quite some time,” Cejudo revealed. “I want to make sure that I’m 100 percent. I’m getting back into training… It’s just allowing this injury to freaking heal. Father Time is real, dude. I can finally admit it.”
For a fighter who has always been known for his resilience and determination, this injury has been a humbling experience. Cejudo acknowledges that he’s no longer the young, invincible fighter he once was. “It’s just little nagging things, but I think in this particular thing, I want to make sure I don’t have to get surgery and allow myself to get patient and take my time. Then, I’m going to be 100 percent.”
The Weighty Decision: Flyweight or Bantamweight?
As Cejudo contemplates his return, he’s also weighing the options for his next move. While the bantamweight division is thriving with new contenders, Cejudo has hinted at a potential return to flyweight—a division he once helped save from the brink of extinction.
“There could be a potential return at flyweight,” Cejudo mused. “With the bantamweight division getting hot and with the newcomers coming in, there’s been a lot of thought of me going back down and getting a fight with Moreno and winning the belt once again.”
But the decision isn’t just about which division to compete in. Cejudo is fully aware that his next move will define the final chapter of his storied career. “I’m after gold now. I think if I do go down to 125 pounds and stay disciplined, I don’t think there’s anyone that can beat me.”
A Showdown in Mexico?
One of the most intriguing possibilities Cejudo has floated is a potential fight with current flyweight champion Brandon Moreno—a fight that could take place in Moreno’s home country of Mexico. “He wanted to fight me at 135 and then he backed out like a little b*tch,” Cejudo said, not pulling any punches. “Now, I think if I go down and I beat him in Mexico, in his own country, I think that could be a big-ass payday too.”
For Cejudo, the prospect of defeating Moreno in front of his home crowd isn’t just about the money—it’s about reclaiming his throne and reminding the world why he’s one of the greatest fighters to ever step into the octagon.
The Final Countdown: A Six-Month Process
If Cejudo does decide to make the cut to 125 pounds, he’s committed to doing it the right way. “If I do decide to go down to 125 pounds, it’s going to be a six-month process,” he said. “It’s going to be a six-month process and I’m going to do it right.”
Cejudo knows that this weight cut won’t be easy. “It’s not fun. I hated making that weight. I’m also wiser and smarter right now. How’s it that I could do it and do it in the best scientific way while feeling good and spice things up?”
But for a fighter like Cejudo, the challenge is part of the appeal. “Maybe I need more discipline. Maybe I need… if the bar is set that high, that means I have to have more commitment on that side.”
