Henry Cejudo Coming Out Of Retirement: A Misguided Decision? 

Henry Cejudo is a highly accomplished athlete, having won an Olympic gold medal in wrestling and becoming a two-division champion in the UFC. His accolades place him among the elite in combat sports history.

Henry Cejudo’s decision to come out of retirement has been a topic of significant discussion and debate within the mixed martial arts (MMA) community.

After years of intense competition since childhood, Cejudo sought personal freedom and a new chapter in life. He mentioned wanting to start a family and enjoy life outside the octagon.

Although he had achieved great success, Cejudo felt that he wasn’t adequately compensated for his contributions as a champion. This dissatisfaction may have contributed to his decision to step away from fighting.

By retiring at the peak of his career, Cejudo aimed to preserve his legacy as one of the greatest combat athletes without risking potential losses that could tarnish it.

After nearly three years away from competition, Cejudo returned to fight Aljamain Sterling at UFC 288 in May 2023 but lost by split decision. He subsequently faced Merab Dvalishvili and Song Yadong, suffering defeats in both bouts.

Cejudo expressed that he missed the thrill of competition and felt he still had much to prove within the sport. His desire to reclaim titles indicated that he believed he could still compete at a high level.

Despite claims that financial need was not his primary motivation for returning, there is an undeniable allure of earning substantial paychecks through high-profile fights.

Henry Cejudo should have come out of retirement if he genuinely believed he could compete effectively at a high level again; however, given the outcomes of his recent fights and their impact on his legacy, it raises questions about whether this return was ultimately beneficial or detrimental.