“Would I like to see Henry Cejudo retire? Yeah, I think so,” with forethought, ‘Mighty Mouse’ Demetrious Johnson weighed in during a recent conversation. The former UFC flyweight champion, who fought two classic ‘Fight of the Nights’ with ‘Triple C,’ spoke following Cejudo’s loss to Song Yadong at the Seattle UFC Fight Night. A series of setbacks commenced with Cejudo’s cage return two years ago. Marking an end to a retirement that lasted three years, he failed to turn the tables when Aljamain Sterling took him to the distance for the bantamweight championship.

Last year’s scorecard defeat to champion Merab Dvalishvili rubbed more salt in the wound. Three consecutive losses and voices urging the Olympic gold medalist to pass the torch buzzed in. But is the situation so dire that it warrants a measure so drastic? It will be nothing short of an inglorious exit if a mixed martial artist of Henry Cejudo‘s caliber considered an all-time great, signs off on a regretful note. There are a few reasons why Cejudo should continue instead of opting for an easy way out.

Henry Cejudo doesn’t deserve to go out on a losing streak

Retire just because he lost a third consecutive fight in three years? But in a time to come, chances are the memories of such a decision would overshadow the legacy of his achievements. Consider this: a multiple Pan American Gold Medalist, a World Championship Bronze winner, and, sitting at the top, an Olympic gold medal. A stellar career in the octagon followed, where he joined the exclusive club of multiple title winners.

That’s an enormous responsibility for anyone to just shake off and leave. Clearly his achievements outweigh the setbacks. The majority of his defeats occurred after his return to fighting. It might as well be a case of cage rust. But it doesn’t mean the doors to reclaim his legacy are closed.

‘Triple C’ is still in great shape and has plenty of fight left

For those doubting Henry Cejudo’s fitness and energy, check out the fight he gave Yadong. Did he lack gas or power? Admittedly, he may be out of his prime, but that’s not a reason to deny Cejudo from continuing further. Charles Oliveira had plenty of reasons to stop. But ‘Do Bronx’ continues to make his presence felt across the MMA world. The ‘Fight of the Night’ winner with Michael Chandler added yet another feather to Oliveira’s cap.

Cejudo may not have many fights left, but he has enough to help him cement his legacy among the UFC’s greatest fighters of all time.

A rematch against Yadong makes sense.

“Run it back @danawhite!!! @SongYadongLFG, you told me you wanted a rematch. Your face at the end says it all. You know you didn’t defeat me. Learn how to close your fists and sign the damn contract!” wrote Henry Cejudo after Yadong’s willingness for a rematch.

Not only for Cejudo but also for legions of fans, their main event at UFC 252 met with an unsatisfactory end. Yadong’s technical victory after an accidental eye poke reduced Cejudo’s ability to continue. It seems like a poor justification for the victory. To set the record straight, both fighters must enter the cage again and close the argument once and for all.

Thus, Henry Cejudo has many reasons to stay than any to exit. Careful consideration and planning could put his career back on track. What about you? Like Demetrious Johnson, do you also think that Henry Cejudo should retire for good?