Former two-division champion Henry Cejudo has been forced to withdraw from his UFC 292 fight against Marlon “Chito” Vera due to a shoulder injury that requires six to eight weeks of physical therapy and stem cell treatment.
Henry Cejudo’s much-anticipated comeback into the ring will experience a delay due to an unexpected obstacle. The former two-division champion disclosed on Thursday that a persistent shoulder injury would prevent him from participating in the upcoming UFC 292. He was set to go head-to-head with Marlon “Chito” Vera in a highly-anticipated encounter on the Boston card.
Cejudo described his current situation on Instagram, revealing the extent of his injury. “Unfortunately due to my right shoulder, I won’t be able to fight,” he stated. Having already experienced a torn left shoulder, Cejudo explained he doesn’t want further damage. He conceded that a 50 percent strain is already present in his shoulder. He stretched it to its limit due to his zeal for the ‘Chito’ Vera matchup, admitting being about the money and competition.
The former champion was preparing for a quick re-match with Vera in August, following his split-decision defeat to reigning UFC bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling in May, marking his comeback from retirement. Cejudo, a 2008 Olympic gold medallist, had previously expressed concern about his health, given the shortfalls between successive matches. His lack of recovery time has now forced him into withdrawing from the bout, with plans for a six to eight weeks’ physical therapy and stem cell treatment for his shoulder.
Cejudo now seems ready to move away from the Vera match, focusing on a different competitor. He revealed his desire to contend against No.1 contender- Merab Dvalishvili, hinting a possible encounter with Brandon Moreno. This target followed his loss to Sterling, but was delayed due to Dvalishvili’s hand surgery which removed him from the ring for three to four months. With Cejudo’s inability to compete against Vera in August, perhaps destiny will facilitate the match with Dvalishvili after all.