Former two divisional UFC champion, Henry Cejudo, took to his Instagram to retire from mixed martial arts. The Olympian had a decorated amateur freestyle wrestling career before transitioning into MMA. He announced that he was to retire post-fight after his first title defense of the bantamweight belt against Dominick Cruz at UFC 249.
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In the past, retirements in MMA did not last long. However, the most recent statement announced by the self-proclaimed ‘King of Cringe’ shows that his decision is primed to play out.
Fans initially received the news with mixed reactions. Several rumors indicated that Cejudo had several contract negotiations with the UFC. However, in light of his most recent comments, those speculations have been quite understandably put to rest.
Henry ‘Triple C’ Cejudo makes it official
In a crisply worded statement following the news, Cejudo expressed his gratitude towards company president Dana White and the UFC brass. “Thank you for taking a chance on the sports people thought would never make it. To all my coaches and fans it has been a wonderful ride. Triple C is out.”
Cejudo, a top contender from the initial years of his UFC tenure, had his breakout performance after avenging his first career loss against legendary flyweight champion, Demetrious Johnson. He then eventually captured his second simultaneous title with the organization. This made him a top draw and a highly marketable entity.
Henry Cejudo walked away in a manner uncharacteristic to his persona over the last few years. Speaking at the UFC 249 post-fight press conference, Cejudo expressed contentment for his accomplishments and optimistically looked towards starting a new phase in his personal life and career outside the Octagon.
Only time will tell whether the intensely competitive Cejudo will return. But until then, his legacy includes being the only 2nd two divisional champion to defend belts in both weight classes. Coupled with this, his highly touted career victories have ensured that Triple C is leaving an indomitable legacy behind.
