Henry Cejudo is focused on making a final push for another UFC title run, accepting a fight against Song Yadong as he aims to reclaim the bantamweight championship and potentially face Merab Dvalishvili again for revenge.
Henry Cejudo isn’t stepping back into the octagon just for fun. Nope, he’s got a mission in mind.
As he gears up to face Song Yadong at UFC Seattle, the Olympic gold medalist and former two-division champ is laser-focused on another title run. Despite back-to-back losses, Cejudo’s eyes are set on championship glory. If that dream fades, so does his career.
“100 percent [going for the title], that’s what it’s always about,” Cejudo told MMA Fighting. Without that goal, fighting wouldn’t even be on the table for him.
“This is the last run,” he declared. At 38, it’s not about age; it’s about performance. Can he still deliver magic inside the octagon? That’s where things get real.
Cejudo once retired after defending the bantamweight title but returned three years later. His comeback hasn’t been smooth, with losses to Aljamain Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili.
Those defeats linger as he preps for his return, knowing he can’t cherry-pick opponents anymore. When UFC offered Song as his next match, saying yes was his only option.
“Once you’re not champion… you’ve got to take what they give you,” Cejudo explained. No more negotiating perks or opponents—just accepting what’s offered or risk being sidelined.
Despite initial resistance from Hunter Campbell, UFC’s chief business officer, Cejudo accepted the fight with Song. “You’ve got to take what they give you,” he said again. Sometimes firmness from the boss is appreciated.
They asked how many rounds? Cejudo replied, “Whatever you want boss.” Eventually, he requested five rounds—if he’s chasing a title, why not go big?
Reclaiming the bantamweight title is paramount for Cejudo, but a rematch with Dvalishvili would be extra sweet. Since their bout a year ago, Dvalishvili has defended his title impressively.
Cejudo doesn’t know when another title shot might come but hopes Dvalishvili holds onto it until then. “100 percent. Hell yeah,” Cejudo said about facing Dvalishvili again. Revenge adds an extra layer of satisfaction to winning.
Reflecting on past victories like against Demetrious Johnson fuels him further. Overcoming previous losses and emerging victorious means everything.
While eager for a rematch, Cejudo acknowledges Dvalishvili’s achievements—a 12-fight win streak with wins over former champs is no small feat.
Dvalishvili’s victory over Umar Nurmagomedov impressed Cejudo most. Beating the new generation shows Merab’s caliber and motivates Cejudo even more.
“Merab is the real deal,” Cejudo admitted. Even if fights aren’t won by damage alone, showmanship and strategy play crucial roles in victories.
In this unpredictable sport, every element counts—judges see it all. And despite losing to Merab, Cejudo doesn’t feel too bad; it’s just part of the journey back to the top.