Despite previously stating he would retire if defeated in his last match, former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo is not ready to leave the world of mixed martial arts behind. In the buildup to UFC 298, Cejudo faced off against Merab Dvalishvili and suffered a unanimous decision loss. This outcome led him to reassess his future in the sport, ultimately deciding against retirement.
Cejudo, who has experienced retirement once before after triumphing over Dominick Cruz at UFC 249 in 2020, voiced his determination to continue fighting. "I got to sh*t where I sleep," Cejudo explained in a candid video posted to his YouTube channel, expressing his unwillingness to end his career on a low note. He addressed his fans, family, friends, and critics, stating, "It is far from over with the ‘Triple C.'"
This recent defeat marks Cejudo's second consecutive loss, a situation he has encountered once before in his career. However, Cejudo is no stranger to comebacks, having previously embarked on a remarkable winning streak following back-to-back losses early in his career. He reflected on his achievements and the unique path he has carved in combat sports, despite the mixed reactions from the public.
Cejudo also shared his challenges in preparing for the fight against Dvalishvili, including a potential injury to his left forearm. Despite these setbacks, he remains focused on returning to the win column and exploring opportunities both within and outside of the bantamweight division.