Henry Cejudo: The Final Push for Glory
Henry Cejudo, the dual-division UFC champion and Olympic gold medalist, is gearing up for his return to the octagon in the main event of UFC Seattle against Song Yadong. Despite the significant setbacks he faced in his last two fights, Cejudo is undeterred and laser-focused on one goal: regaining the title. For him, fighting without a specific objective is meaningless, and he is clear that once he can no longer chase a championship, he will step away from the sport for good.
Embracing the Challenge
Cejudo’s journey back to the pinnacle of MMA has not been smooth. He retired after successfully defending the UFC bantamweight title but returned three years later, only to face consecutive losses. First, a split-decision loss to Aljamain Sterling, followed by a decision defeat to the current 135-pound champione, Mrab Dvalishvili, in February 2024. These setbacks have taught Cejudo the harsh reality of not being a champion—his options are limited, and he must take what the UFC offers. When the opportunity to fight Song arose, Cejudo knew he had to seize it, regardless of the challenges.
The Matchup with Song Yadong
Initially, Cejudo had reservations about facing Song Yadong, but he soon realized that the UFC had their reasons for setting this matchup. Song is a powerful, explosive counter-puncher, and Cejudo sees both strengths and weaknesses in his opponent. This stylistic matchup is one Cejudo is eager to exploit, and he believes it will be a test of his skills and determination. "You’ve got to take what they give you," Cejudo emphasized, adding that he sees this fight as a crucial step in his quest for another title shot.
The Psychological Battle
Cejudo’s path to redemption is not just physical but also mental. He acknowledges the emotional significance of facing Dvalishvili again, the man who took his title. The best outcome, he says, would be to win the title and achieve a form of revenge. "The best is winning but even better than winning is getting payback," Cejudo said. "It’s not just about the belt; it’s about proving to myself that I can come back from the brink."
Respecting the Champion
While Cejudo is determined to reclaim his title, he also respects the current champion’s achievements. Dvalishvili has an impressive 12-fight win streak, including victories over four former UFC champions. His most recent win against Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 was particularly noteworthy. Cejudo observes that Dvalishvili’s ability to outperform a rising star like Nurmagomedov demonstrates his skill and resilience. "Merab is the real deal," Cejudo admitted. "He’s beaten all of us, and his performance against Umar was a testament to his championship caliber."
The Road Ahead
Cejudo is realistic about the road ahead but remains optimistic. He is not certain when another title shot will come, but he is quietly rooting for Dvalishvili to retain the title, giving him a chance to face him again. The 38-year-old veteran is ready to put everything on the line in Seattle, knowing that his performance against Song Yadong will be a critical indicator of his future in the sport. Whether it’s a shot at the title or another chapter in his storied career, Cejudo is determined to make his return count.
