Henry Cejudo is truly a standout in the world of sports. His achievements speak volumes — an Olympic gold medal in wrestling at just 21, becoming a UFC Flyweight champion, and holding the UFC Bantamweight title simultaneously. Not many athletes can boast such a record. Looking at his accomplishments, it’s clear that “Triple C” is a combat sports icon. However, does this put him among the greatest in mixed martial arts (MMA) history?
Answering that question isn’t straightforward. Cejudo certainly had the potential to etch his name in the annals of MMA all-time greats. But his journey at the top of the UFC was relatively brief, spanning six significant fights over less than three years.
Now, twelve years after his debut, Cejudo is preparing to step back into the octagon at UFC Seattle this weekend (Sat., Feb. 22, 2025). This will be only his 21st fight, which is fewer by 11 compared to his 27-year-old opponent, Song Yadong. Early in his career, Cejudo struggled on the local circuits, often missing weight. His initial UFC outings weren’t particularly memorable, and he was soundly defeated by Demetrious Johnson in his 11th fight. A narrow loss to Joseph Benavidez followed in his 12th bout.
For a large part of his early career, the highlight wasn’t particularly impressive — a split decision win over Jussier Formiga.
Cejudo’s relentless competitive spirit, unique even among fighters, spurred him to reassess. By 2017, he experienced a career renaissance that marked the start of extraordinary achievements in the octagon.
“Karate Cejudo” emerged when he decisively defeated Wilson Reis. He then dominated Sergio Pettis, who had recently come off a significant win over Brandon Moreno. Following that, Cejudo achieved four title victories across two weight divisions: Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, T.J. Dillashaw, Marlon Moraes, and Dominick Cruz.
It was a remarkable stretch.
However, some debatable points arise. Was the decision in the Johnson rematch entirely justified? Would Dillashaw, who appeared gaunt at his Flyweight debut, have been knocked out by a mere breeze? And was Cruz in peak form after a four-year absence?
Probably not.
Nevertheless, the triumph over Moraes stands as Cejudo’s most impressive victory. While Moraes’ career might have ended unceremoniously, he was a force to be reckoned with when Cejudo faced him. Cejudo absorbed Moraes’ best blows, weathered the onslaught, and eventually overcame him to claim victory.
Despite these nuances, Cejudo captured and defended two titles, making his six-fight win streak quite spectacular. However, six fights can feel scant in the grand scheme. Cejudo retired at his peak, apparently to negotiate better compensation, and both weight classes moved on without him.
Since returning, it’s not entirely clear where Cejudo stands, given that he immediately faced elite Bantamweight wrestlers. He tired and lost twice to strong opponents. While age could explain his fatigue, it’s also worth noting that Cejudo hadn’t faced a top Bantamweight wrestler before his initial retirement.
This year, Cejudo has made his goals clear: he aims to rebound by defeating Yadong and leverage that into another chance at a Flyweight title. It’s an ambitious strategy, provided he can best “The Kung Fu Kid” and make the 125-pound limit again. Even a victory over Yadong at 38 would significantly bolster Cejudo’s MMA legacy, marking just his third win over a Top 10 Bantamweight.
Cejudo could have easily been one of MMA’s most decorated fighters, but his choice to step away altered that path. Returning to the sport in his late 30s presents a challenge, but it also offers an opportunity to enhance his legacy, albeit with increased difficulty.
One can’t help but ponder what might have been.
Remember, MMAmania.com will be bringing you live, play-by-play coverage of the whole UFC Seattle card right here. The action starts with the ESPN+ “Prelims” at 6 p.m. ET, leading into the main event at 9 p.m. ET, also on ESPN+.
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