The career of one of the most accomplished athletes in UFC history, Henry Cejudo, hangs in the balance as he faces another potential retirement. As he prepares to step into the Octagon against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 298, Cejudo has boldly declared that if he loses this pivotal bout, he will retire from the sport for good. This article delves into the motives behind Cejudo’s decision and explores the uncertainty surrounding his future in the UFC.
Cejudo’s determination to either claim victory or bid farewell to the sport reflects his unwavering commitment to success. He emphatically stated, “It’s either gold or bust. I either win it all, or I’m out, I’m done.” At 37 years old, Cejudo recognizes that time is not on his side, further intensifying his desire to prove himself as the best in the world.
This isn’t the first time Cejudo has contemplated retirement. Following his victory over Dominick Cruz to retain the bantamweight title in May 2020, Cejudo surprisingly announced his retirement during his post-fight interview. However, after a three-year hiatus and a title loss to Aljamain Sterling at UFC 288, Cejudo made his return to the Octagon. This recurring pattern of retirement decisions adds an element of unpredictability to his career trajectory.
A win against Dvalishvili would bolster Cejudo’s position among the top contenders in the UFC bantamweight division. ESPN currently ranks Dvalishvili at No. 3 and Cejudo at No. 4 in the world in the 135-pound weight class. Such victory would solidify Cejudo’s status as one of the elite fighters in his weight division.
Criticism and Coaching
In preparation for his high-stakes fight, Cejudo made significant changes to his training camp. He publicly dismissed his longtime coach, Eric Albarracin, which was caught on camera by a “UFC Countdown” film crew and garnered substantial criticism within the MMA community. UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski even went as far as calling Cejudo a “piece of s—” if the video was genuine.
However, both Cejudo and Albarracin have clarified that the video portrayed a worse dynamic than the reality. They emphasized their strong bond and the absence of any ill will. Albarracin remains a crucial figure in Cejudo’s camp and will be in his corner for the fight against Dvalishvili. Cejudo acknowledges the significance of their partnership, comparing it to the successful collaboration between Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson.
During this training camp, Cejudo sought to refine his skills by focusing on details. He chose to work with a new group of coaches, including striking coach Everton Lopes, former wrestling Olympian Guillermo “Memo” Torres, and wrestler Josh Kramer. By limiting the number of voices guiding his training, Cejudo aimed to streamline his preparation and achieve a more strategic approach.
Despite his adamant declaration of retirement if he loses, the question remains: will this retirement stick? Cejudo playfully responded to the speculation with a laugh, implying that the future remains uncertain. While his retirement would undoubtedly be a significant loss to the UFC, only time will tell if Cejudo’s determination to retire is permanent.
As Henry Cejudo faces Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 298, the outcome of this fight could determine the next chapter of his career. Cejudo’s unwavering commitment to success, coupled with his history of retirement contemplation, adds an element of unpredictability to his future in the UFC. Regardless of the outcome, Cejudo’s impact on the sport and his legacy as one of the most accomplished UFC athletes will undoubtedly endure.
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