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Henry Cejudo, the former UFC double champion, is gearing up for what could be the most pivotal fight for his legacy against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 298. With retirement looming on the horizon should he suffer a defeat, Cejudo is embracing the pressure, approaching this showdown as a "do-or-die" moment.
"This is all or nothing," Cejudo declared during UFC 298 media day, reaffirming his stance. "I either win it all, or I’m not going to have it at all and I’m out. I’m done."
The gravity of the situation is not lost on Cejudo. He understands that this fight isn't just about securing another victory; it's about cementing his legacy as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. With his eyes set on the bantamweight title, Cejudo sees this bout as his ticket to a championship showdown with either Sean O’Malley or Marlon “Chito” Vera.
"I am putting that timeline, that pressure on me, because I do take this sport serious," Cejudo remarked. "Now, it’s a motivation more motivated by a little bit of anger. I’m kind of pissed at myself a little bit, but it’s still motivated."
For Cejudo, retirement isn't a distant possibility—it's a certainty if he doesn't emerge victorious. "Yeah, 100 percent," he affirmed when asked about retiring with a loss.
"It’s big-time pressure. Because I know I’ve got to fight."
But Cejudo isn't just fighting for himself. He believes his clash with Dvalishvili isn't just another bout—it's a battle between the two best bantamweights in the world, with the title shot hanging in the balance.
"Between me and Merab, this is the best fight at 135 pounds," Cejudo asserted. "This is the real world title."
Looking beyond UFC 298, Cejudo has his sights set on even greater challenges. With aspirations to conquer the featherweight division, he's aiming to add another title to his already illustrious resume.
"My goal and I’m probably going to get a lot of s*** for this, but the goal is still 145 pounds," Cejudo disclosed. "I just feel like a win over Merab, and then getting the winner out of ‘Chito’ versus Sean, and then I want [Alexander Volkanovski] or whoever has that belt at 145 pounds."
For Cejudo, it's not just about winning titles—it's about leaving a lasting legacy.
"If I can’t have it, then I just don’t want it," he emphasized. "I’m either the best in the world, or I’m not."
As fight night approaches, the stakes couldn't be higher for Henry Cejudo. UFC 298 isn't just another event—it's his last stand, a definitive battle for legacy and greatness.
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