Former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo officially announced his retirement from mixed martial arts following a unanimous decision loss to Payton Talbott at UFC 323. The bout, held Saturday night, featured Cejudo in the final appearance of his storied career as he returned once more to the Octagon before hanging up his gloves.
Cejudo, 37, faced a younger and dynamic Payton Talbott in what turned out to be a one-sided contest. Despite showcasing moments of resilience and drawing on his championship pedigree, Cejudo was outpaced throughout the fight. Talbott consistently pressured with volume striking and control, earning the judges’ decision across all scorecards.
Following the bout, Cejudo addressed the crowd and confirmed this would be his last fight as a professional mixed martial artist. The announcement marks the end of an illustrious career that began in the UFC in 2014 and was highlighted by title reigns in both the flyweight and bantamweight divisions. He is one of only a few fighters in UFC history to hold belts in two weight classes simultaneously.
Cejudo initially retired in 2020 after defending his bantamweight title but returned in 2023 seeking another run at the championship. After a close decision loss to Aljamain Sterling in his comeback fight, Cejudo faced another setback against Merab Dvalishvili before taking on Talbott.
Over the course of his UFC tenure, Cejudo earned notable victories over top-tier opponents including Demetrious Johnson, TJ Dillashaw, and Marlon Moraes. His wrestling background — highlighted by a 2008 Olympic gold medal in freestyle wrestling — provided a foundation for his success in MMA.
With Saturday’s loss, Cejudo closes his career with a UFC record of 8 wins and 4 losses. His impact on the sport, particularly in elevating the lighter weight divisions, has been widely acknowledged by both fans and fighters.
Talbott, for his part, continues his ascent in the bantamweight division with an impressive performance against a seasoned veteran. The win adds to his growing resume as he seeks to establish himself among the bantamweight elite.
Cejudo leaves the sport as a champion, Olympian, and one of the most accomplished athletes to ever compete inside the Octagon.
