Demetrious Johnson’s Concern for Henry Cejudo
If it were up to Demetrious Johnson, Henry Cejudo would have called it quits after his final fight at UFC Seattle. Johnson, a two-time opponent and now a close friend of Cejudo, expressed his thoughts on the main event of the recent Fight Night card, where Cejudo lost a technical decision to Song Yadong. The fight took an unfortunate turn in the third round when Cejudo suffered a brutal, yet accidental eye poke, which severely compromised his vision. Unable to continue, referee Jason Herzog had to consult the judges’ scorecards, leading to Cejudo’s loss. Johnson, reflecting on the incident, questioned whether Cejudo should retire, emphasizing the risks and the toll that continued fighting could take on his health.
A Career of Triumphs and Challenges
Cejudo’s decision to retire in May 2020 after defeating Dominick Cruz at UFC 249 to defend his bantamweight title was met with surprise and confusion. Despite his growing popularity and a string of impressive performances, Cejudo chose to step away from the octagon. The UFC, however, did not waste time and moved on to a vacant title fight between Petr Yan and Jose Aldo at UFC 251, just two months later. Cejudo’s retirement was short-lived, as he returned to challenge then-champion Aljamain Sterling for the title at UFC 288. Unfortunately, Cejudo lost by decision, and his return to the sport was further marred by subsequent losses to Merab Dvalishvili and, most recently, to Song Yadong. These setbacks have raised questions about the future of his career and the wisdom of continuing to fight.
The Price of Glory
Johnson’s concern for Cejudo is rooted in the physical and mental toll that the sport of mixed martial arts can take on its athletes. Cejudo, an Olympic gold medalist, has already achieved more than most fighters ever will. He has beaten Johnson, held the flyweight championship, defended it, and then moved up to become the bantamweight champion, defending that title as well. Johnson acknowledges the financial allure of the sport, where fighters can earn significant sums with just a few months of training and a single fight. However, he emphasizes that the risks are real and can be severe, as evidenced by Cejudo’s near-blindness during the fight with Song. Johnson believes that Cejudo has already proven himself and has nothing left to gain from risking his health further.
A Life Beyond the Octagon
Johnson’s advice to Cejudo is not just about the physical risks but also about the quality of life outside the sport. Cejudo has built a successful career beyond fighting, including a popular podcast with Kamaru Usman, which has gained a significant following. He is also a devoted family man, with two beautiful children and a loving wife. Additionally, Cejudo has ventured into business, further diversifying his interests and income streams. Johnson sees these accomplishments as more than enough reason for Cejudo to step away from the octagon and focus on his other passions and responsibilities. He believes that Cejudo’s legacy is already secure and that continuing to fight could jeopardize his long-term well-being.
The Emotional Weight of Retirement
The decision to retire is never easy, especially for a fighter of Cejudo’s caliber. Johnson understands the emotional and psychological weight that comes with such a decision. For many athletes, the octagon is not just a place of competition but a source of identity and purpose. Johnson, who has been through the retirement process himself, knows firsthand the challenges and the mixed emotions that accompany it. However, he also recognizes the importance of making a decision that prioritizes health and family. Johnson’s advice is not just about the physical risks but also about the emotional and mental well-being of his friend, urging Cejudo to consider the bigger picture and the long-term impact of his choices.
A Call for Reflection
In the end, Johnson’s message to Cejudo is one of reflection and careful consideration. He encourages Cejudo to weigh the risks and rewards of continuing his fighting career against the value of his other pursuits and the well-being of his family. Johnson’s perspective is not just that of a former opponent but also that of a friend who cares deeply about Cejudo’s future. He believes that Cejudo has already achieved greatness and that it is time to focus on the next chapter of his life, one that is filled with opportunities and responsibilities that are just as important, if not more so, than the thrill of the octagon.
