The only thing harder than taking a punch to the face for a mixed martial artist is the thought of retiring. Fighting, or competing in any sport, at the highest level is a short window. While NFL athletes usually retire by 27, the window is more forgiving for athletes from the UFC and NBA with the average retirement age being mid-to-late 30’s. And unlike team sports, where aging athletes can ease into reduced roles, UFC fighters must walk the fine line between chasing greatness and knowing when to hang up the gloves. For many fighters, the decision to retire isn’t just about physical decline—it’s about identity. One such fighter who is fighting the battle of age is Henry Cejudo.

Cejudo is all set to take on Song Yadong at the upcoming UFC Fight Night event in Seattle. The bout promises a classic clash between Cejudo’s seasoned wrestling prowess and Yadong’s youthful striking vigor. However, the former dual champion will be under a lot of pressure to get back to his winning ways after losing his last two fights. After all, Cejudo is at the twilight of his career and way past his prime. Former UFC champion Michael Bisping is super excited about the clash. However, he believes a third loss is in store for Cejudo and this might just be the end of the road for ‘Triple C’.

However, the man known as ‘The Messenger’ doesn’t quite think so. At 38 years old, he still believes he has all the skillset to win his fight against the 27-year-old Yadong. Cejudo, while speaking to TNT Sports UFC, shared his thought process about him retiring and also what he felt about Bisping’s comments. He said, “Yeah, no, I can’t answer that. You know? And who the hell is Michael Bisping? There’s been a lot of people I mean—this is the UFC man, a lot of people have gone through skids and have been able to bounce back, and actually do some great things like Charles Oliveira.” 

Cejudo further added, “You know the ability is there. It’s just time to prove it once again and get back on the horse and continue to keep trotting and riding.” It will be interesting to see how ‘Triple C’ performs against a guy who is as hungry and determined a prospect as Song Yadong. The 27-year-old has a lot of respect for the legendary fighter but he is not fazed by his record at all. His confidence is such that he is sure he can make Cejudo retire from the sport.

Song Yadong feels he will make easy work of Henry Cejudo in their upcoming fight

At 38, Henry Cejudo has already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest to ever compete in MMA. A former two-division UFC champion, ‘Triple C’ has transitioned smoothly into roles as a podcast host and fight analyst. However, his comeback from a self-imposed retirement in 2023 hasn’t gone as planned, leaving fans questioning whether his time at the top is truly over. Determined to go out on his own terms rather than be forced out, Cejudo is set to face a rising powerhouse in Song Yadong—who appears more than ready to close the curtain on the veteran’s storied career.

Long before Song Yadong even laced up a pair of gloves, Henry Cejudo had already etched his name in combat sports history by winning Olympic gold. Years later, he solidified his legacy further by becoming one of the rare fighters to capture UFC titles in two weight classes. Now, at UFC Fight Night 252 in Seattle, the 27-year-old Chinese contender is stepping into the Octagon with full respect for Cejudo’s accomplishments—but respect won’t stop him from trying to make his own mark.

While speaking on The MMA Hour show he said, “He’s a legend, [Cejudo] was Olympic champ when I was young, two-division UFC champion… I like the fight. I believe I will make him retire after this one… It’s gonna be one-sided beat-up.” 

It’s no surprise that the Chinese bantamweight is eager to make a statement. After all, opportunities like facing a legend like Henry Cejudo don’t come around often in the UFC. A win over the former double champion wouldn’t just be a career milestone—it could catapult him into title contention and solidify his place among the division’s elite. Who do you think will win between the two? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.