In the aftermath of UFC Seattle, Demetrious Johnson has expressed his belief that Henry Cejudo should consider stepping away from the octagon. Cejudo, who faced a technical decision loss to Song Yadong after an accidental eye poke left him unable to continue, finds himself at a crossroads in his illustrious career.
UFC Seattle: A Turning Point for Cejudo
This past Saturday, during the Fight Night main event, Henry Cejudo’s bout against Song Yadong ended prematurely due to a severe eye injury sustained in the third round. As Cejudo’s vision was compromised, referee Jason Herzog halted the fight, leading to a decision by the judges. The incident has reignited discussions about Cejudo’s future in mixed martial arts.
Demetrious Johnson, who has faced Cejudo twice in the ring and now shares a friendship with him, voiced his opinion on his YouTube channel. He emphasized the risk to Cejudo’s health and suggested retirement might be the best course of action. “I would like to see him retire,” Johnson stated, highlighting Cejudo’s successful ventures outside the octagon, including a popular podcast and a thriving personal life.
Cejudo’s Storied Career and Recent Challenges
Henry Cejudo first retired in 2020 after a victorious defense of his bantamweight title against Dominick Cruz, only to return for another title shot against Aljamain Sterling at UFC 288. Despite his impressive track record as a two-division champion, Cejudo’s recent losses, including bouts against Merab Dvalishvili and Song Yadong, have sparked debate about his future in the sport.
Johnson argues that Cejudo has little left to prove, having achieved feats that few in the sport can match. “He’s beaten me, defended the flyweight and bantamweight belts,” Johnson remarked, underscoring Cejudo’s remarkable accomplishments. Yet, Johnson remains concerned about Cejudo’s health risks, particularly after the near-blinding injury.
The Path Forward: A Decision to Be Made
As Cejudo reflects on his options, the decision to retire or continue fighting remains a deeply personal one. With a legacy already cemented in the annals of MMA history, Cejudo’s next move will undoubtedly be watched closely by fans and analysts alike.
While the allure of competition and financial incentives might tempt Cejudo to stay in the game, the risks to his long-term health and well-being cannot be overstated. As Demetrious Johnson pointed out, Cejudo has a wealth of opportunities beyond fighting, from his thriving podcast with Kamaru Usman to his family and business endeavors.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Cejudo. Whether he chooses to hang up his gloves or continue seeking new challenges in the octagon, his impact on the sport is undeniable. As fans and observers, we can only hope that whatever path he chooses, it prioritizes his health and happiness above all else.
