Former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo’s fighting future is foggy after a controversial defeat in Seattle.
Henry Cejudo‘s path to a different UFC title shot narrowed after a loss to Song Yadong within the UFC Seattle important event on Saturday. After a back-and-forth first three rounds of the fight, the bout was abruptly stopped after Cejudo was deemed ineligible to proceed competing as a result of a watch injury from an accidental poke.
The fight was ruled a technical decision as a result of the fight surpassing the halfway point. It was unanimously scored in Yadong’s favor, and he walked away with the win.
After a third-consecutive defeat at UFC Seattle, Cejudo is in a peculiar spot in his combat sports profession. At 38 years old, time is probably going running out for one more title push, further complicated by the UFC Seattle result.
Demetrious Johnson reacts to Henry Cejudo’s third straight loss at UFC Seattle
During a recent video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Demetrious Johnson reacted to Cejudo’s performance and weighed in on what may very well be next for his fighting profession.
“Now he’s on a three-fight losing streak, what’s he doing next?” Johnson asked. “I don’t see the purpose of it…the likelihood of Henry Cejudo getting opportunities to maintain on fighting primary contenders over and once again, I just don’t see it happening. Not saying that it may’t, but I don’t see it happening…
“Would I prefer to see Henry Cejudo retire? Yeah, I believe so. He’s beaten me, flyweight champion, defended the belt, bantamweight champion…that’s greater than half of the m—–f—— on the roster are ever going to do…man almost went blind…he’s got a fantastic podcast with Kamaru Usman, two beautiful children, beautiful wife, businesses, there’s no reason to fight and keep risking his health.”
Johnson and Cejudo competed twice of their fighting careers. The then-UFC flyweight champion Johnson finished Cejudo at UFC 197 by first-round TKO before Cejudo got his revenge by winning the title over Johnson by split decision at UFC 227.
As of this writing, Cejudo stays insistent on continuing to compete and is hopeful of securing a rematch with Yadong. However the UFC matchmakers stand in the way in which of creating his hopes come to fruition.
Henry Cejudo took issue with Dana White’s post-fight comments after UFC Seattle
UFC CEO Dana White responded to questions on a possible Cejudo vs. Yadong rematch by quickly axing the chance on the UFC Seattle press conference. Cejudo didn’t take long to reply White’s comments, pleading with the UFC headman in a post-fight statement to make the rematch occur.
Yadong and Cejudo each expressed profound interest in booking a rematch for a later date. But Yadong also called out a former titleholder on the press conference, in case White and the matchmakers aren’t keen on the concept.
Cejudo is undoubtedly considered one of the best combat sports athletes of all time, but it surely’s uncertain what’s next for him after UFC Seattle. Johnson, who has turn into a detailed friend of Cejudo’s, desires to see the legend hang up the gloves in favor of greener pastures.
