Henry Cejudo likes to be called ‘Triple C’ for a reason. The now-retired UFC fighter has had his career embellished in gold. ‘The Messenger’ has fought through adversities time and time again to come out on top.
During his wrestling career, before joining MMA, Cejudo represented the United States at the Beijing 2008 Olympics. Henry would go on to clinch gold in the Wrestling 55kg Men’s Freestyle Final.
He would then transition to MMA, making his professional debut in 2013 and signing with the UFC a year later.
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4 wins out of 4 resulted in the Olympic gold medalist earning a title shot against Demetrious Johnson. With a loss in the first fight, ‘The Messenger’ would bounce back to claim the title in the rematch.
Cejudo became the first Olympic gold medalist to win a UFC title. In 10 months between 2018 and 2019, Cejudo won the UFC Flyweight and UFC Bantamweight Championships.
Henry Cejudo def. Wilson Reis via TKO
Having won 4 of 4 in the UFC, Cejudo would go on to lose twice. Once to Demetrious Johnson by TKO and the other, a split decision loss to Joseph Benavidez.
Coming into the fight on the back of 2 consecutive losses was not something Triple C has dealt with in his career. A third loss in a row could have spelled the end for Cejudo’s career, but the Olympic wrestler pulled off a stunning TKO win in the second round.
Cejudo stopped Reis with punches to earn his first win by stoppage in the UFC.
Demetrious Johnson 2 via Split Decision
With consecutive wins over Wilson Reis and Joseph Benavidez, Henry Cejudo would find himself back against the man who gave him the first loss of his MMA career.
This time, however, Cejudo looked ready for Demetrious, physically and mentally. Cejudo would give the Flyweight GOAT a run for his money.
He imposed a strong ground game to negate the excellent striking of DJ and ultimately earned a hard-fought split decision win over DJ to become the new flyweight champion of the world. In doing so, Triple C ended the long title reign of DJ, which included 12 title defenses.
TJ Dillashaw via first-round TKO
Having successfully captured the UFC flyweight title, Cejudo was not short of challengers for his title. The UFC, however, had other plans and booked a sensational fight between Cejudo and Bantamweight Champion TJ Dillashaw.
TJ had been on a roll at Bantamweight and had successfully regained the title that he had lost to Dominick Cruz. On the back of 2 consecutive TKO’s over Cody Garbrandt, Dillashaw decided to drop down to 125 and challenge Cejudo.
‘The Messenger’ ended up knocking Dillashaw out in just 30 seconds of the first round to retain his title. Dillashaw would later test positive for PEDs, resulting in him being handed a 2-year suspension.
Dominick Cruz via second-round TKO
In a twist of fate, Cejudo would move up to Bantamweight to challenge for the title stripped from TJ Dillashaw. He would face the deadly Marlon Moraes for the vacant title.
Cejudo would put on an amazing performance to capture the 135 title, despite having an early leg injury in the fight. ‘The Messenger’ would join an illustrious group of ‘Champ Champs’ in the UFC having captured the Bantamweight title.
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Cejudo would make his first title defense against the legend of the division, Dominick Cruz. With a lot being said between the two during the build-up, Cejudo would come out and put on a phenomenal performance. Triple C’s game plan was evident from the start, attack the legs.
With Cruz being plagued by foot injuries during his career, Cejudo would take the former Bantamweight champion apart. With Cruz’s movement restricted, ‘The Messenger’ would finish the fight with punches in the second round to cement his legacy as one of the best athletes to compete in the UFC.
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Although Cejudo has now retired following his win over Cruz, there is a strong possibility of his return. With current champion Deiveson Figueiredo reigniting the UFC Flyweight division, Cejudo has always kept the door open for his return.
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