Once again, the career of Henry Cejudo, a former UFC flyweight and bantamweight champion, hangs in the balance. Cejudo recently stated that he will retire if he loses his upcoming fight at UFC 298. This decision comes after a history of surprising retirements and comebacks throughout his career. It seems that for Cejudo, it’s all or nothing this time.
Cejudo’s mindset leading up to this fight is a mix of motivation and anger. He expressed that he is fueled by a sense of dissatisfaction with himself and sees this fight as an ultimatum. The determination to win it all or walk away for good is what is driving him in preparation for this crucial match. At 37, Cejudo understands the importance of making a statement in the octagon.
In anticipation of the fight, Cejudo made significant changes to his training camp. This included a public dismissal of his longtime coach, Eric Albarracin, caught on camera and aired during a UFC preview show. The move received criticism from the MMA community, but Cejudo remains unfazed. He stands by his decisions, believing that fewer voices in his corner will lead to a sharper focus and clearer game plan.
Despite the public drama, Cejudo and Albarracin have since reconciled. Albarracin will be in Cejudo’s corner for the upcoming fight, emphasizing the deep bond between the two. Cejudo acknowledges the importance of having a strong support system in his corner, likening his relationship with Albarracin to that of Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson in basketball. This reunion signals a sense of unity and purpose heading into the fight.
Cejudo opted to do his training camp at Fight Ready MMA in Scottsdale, Arizona, his longtime gym. However, he chose to work with a different group of coaches this time around, focusing on honing in on the details. By streamlining his team and avoiding too many conflicting voices, Cejudo aimed to prepare for the fight in the most efficient way possible. The decision to switch up his coaching staff reflects his commitment to leaving no stone unturned in his preparation.
While Cejudo has made it clear that he will retire if he loses on Saturday, the question remains whether this retirement will be permanent. Given his track record of surprising comebacks, fans are left wondering if Cejudo will indeed hang up the gloves for good this time. The uncertainty adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already high-stakes fight.
Henry Cejudo stands at a crossroads in his career, facing a pivotal moment that could determine his future in the sport. The build-up to UFC 298 is filled with drama, uncertainty, and the promise of either a triumphant victory or a decisive retirement. As fans hold their breath, Cejudo remains focused on the task at hand, ready to prove once again why he is considered one of the greatest athletes in UFC history.