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Henry Cejudo, the former UFC double champion, is at a crossroads in his MMA career. After a six-month hiatus following his loss to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 298, Cejudo is beginning to consider his next steps, and a return to the flyweight division is on the table.
Life outside the cage has been fulfilling for Cejudo. He’s embraced fatherhood, enjoyed the thrill of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, and taken on a leadership role in the United Fight League. Yet, the allure of competition still calls to him.
"I’ve been icing an injury now for quite some time," Cejudo revealed. "I want to make sure that I’m 100 percent... I think I learned my lesson," he admits, reflecting on his previous decisions to fight through injuries.
Cejudo’s return to the octagon in 2023, after a three-year break, didn’t go as planned, with losses to Aljamain Sterling and Dvalishvili. Despite these setbacks, Cejudo is far from ready to hang up his gloves. Instead, he’s contemplating a return to the flyweight division, a weight class he once saved from extinction.
"There could be a potential return at flyweight," Cejudo muses, hinting at a possible showdown with current flyweight champion Brandon Moreno.
The idea of reclaiming the flyweight title excites Cejudo.
"If I do go down to 125 pounds and stay disciplined, I don’t think there’s anyone that can beat me," he confidently states.
A fight against Moreno, particularly in Mexico, holds significant appeal for Cejudo, both for the challenge and the potential payday. However, Cejudo is cautious about his next move. He’s aware of the physical and mental demands of cutting down to 125 pounds and wants to ensure that he’s fully prepared before committing.
"If I do decide to go down to 125 pounds, it’s going to be a six-month process... I’m going to do it right," Cejudo insists.
While bantamweight remains an option, Cejudo’s focus is clearly on gold. Whether he chooses flyweight or stays at bantamweight, one thing is certain: Henry Cejudo is not done yet.
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