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Henry Cejudo’s next fight could mark the end of an era.
A former two-division UFC champion, Cejudo is set to face off against top bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili on Feb. 17 on the main card of UFC 298. This will be Cejudo’s second UFC appearance since coming out of retirement in 2023. After admitting to the challenges of making a comeback and falling short in his previous title bid, Cejudo has made it clear that he’ll have to make some serious decisions if he doesn’t come out victorious this time around.
“This is for the No. 1 contender spot,” Cejudo revealed in a recent interview on The HJR Experiment. “I think after losing to Aljamain, I think if I was going to go maybe down the ladder, I would probably be done with fighting again. Yeah, man. Because it’s just like, this sport is hard, man. Training camps, having two kids and things like that.
“It’s all or nothing, man.”
Cejudo, 36, has had an illustrious career in the UFC, capturing two division titles and making a name for himself with his incredible performances in the Octagon. However, retirement has been on his mind for some time now, and he’s back to settle the score and make a final mark in his fighting career.
Cejudo’s upcoming fight against Dvalishvili is crucial, as the winner will likely be in pole position to challenge the victor of UFC 299’s title rematch between UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley and Marlon Vera. It’s a high-stakes bout with everything on the line.
“It’s more of a motivation of vengeance,” Cejudo said of his current mindset. “You know what I’m saying? It’s not always the love [of the game]. Like no, not really, man.
“Even coming back to the sport, I was like, ‘Alright man, I want to test myself. I like the matchup against Sterling. It has been three years.’ But it was also the financial compensation. There’s nothing easier to make money than the fight game.”
The showdown is set to take place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., and promises to be an unmissable event for all UFC fans. Be sure to catch the action and witness the potential final chapter of Cejudo’s incredible career.