Henry Cejudo is set to make his return to the Octagon at UFC 323 on March 9, 2024, in what he has confirmed will be his final fight. The 38-year-old fighter, who is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished athletes in combat sports history, will face Payton Talbott in a highly anticipated matchup.
In a recent appearance on the “TMZ Sports” television show, which airs nightly on FS1, Cejudo expressed a mix of emotions as he approaches this pivotal moment in his career. “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,” he stated.
Cejudo has a remarkable record, being one of only 11 fighters in UFC history to hold championship titles in two divisions. He is unique among them, as he is also an Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling. This impressive combination of accolades has solidified his place in the sport’s history.
As he reflects on his upcoming fight, Cejudo mentioned that he is not overwhelmed by emotion. “Not really. To me, it’s just another fight,” he said, adding a note of gratitude for the support he has received during his training. “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.”
Looking beyond his fighting career, Cejudo has plans for his post-UFC life. “I’m gonna be 39 next month. I’m 38 now, 38 years young. 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,” he shared, indicating his readiness for the next chapter.
Cejudo will face a significant challenge in the ring, including a notable height disadvantage of seven inches against Talbott. He also touched on the rising star in the bantamweight division, Merab Dvalishvili, acknowledging discussions surrounding his potential as the greatest of all time in that weight class.
As the fight night approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Cejudo will conclude his illustrious career in the Octagon. His contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark, and this final bout promises to be a memorable chapter in his journey.
