Henry Cejudo is set to make his anticipated return to the Octagon at UFC 323 on March 23, 2024. The question on many fans’ minds is whether this will be the last fight for the **38-year-old** athlete, widely regarded as one of the most decorated figures in combat sports history. Cejudo will face **Payton Talbott**, and he has confirmed that this match will mark the end of his professional fighting career.
In an interview with **TMZ Sports**, Cejudo expressed his readiness for retirement while reflecting on his long journey in mixed martial arts. “Saturday’s my last fight. I’ve been doing this since the age of 11,” he stated. Despite contemplating his future, he remains confident in his physical abilities. “Do I still have it physically? 100%,” he added. Cejudo noted that his decision to retire comes from a desire to pursue new opportunities in life, indicating that he is ready for “the second chapter.”
Legacy and Accomplishments
Cejudo’s career is marked by significant achievements, including being one of only 11 fighters in UFC history to secure championships in two divisions. He is unique among them, as he also possesses an **Olympic gold medal** in freestyle wrestling, showcasing his elite capabilities across multiple disciplines.
As Cejudo prepares for his final fight, he acknowledges the emotional aspects that may arise. “Not really. To me, it’s just another fight,” he remarked with a laugh. However, he does feel a sense of gratitude towards those who have supported him throughout his career. “It’s just a little bit of gratitude, you going through these hard camps and having coaches and training partners sacrifice their time for you,” Cejudo noted.
Future Plans
Looking beyond his fighting career, Cejudo has outlined his plans for life after the Octagon. He mentioned that turning **39 next month** presents a new opportunity to enjoy life, particularly during the holiday season. His future endeavors include exploring ventures in real estate and creating content with his platform, **Pound 4 Pound**. “I’m happy with this decision,” he stated about stepping away from fighting.
In addition to discussing his retirement, Cejudo addressed his upcoming bout against Talbott, including the notable **7-inch height disadvantage** he will face. He also shared his thoughts on whether **Merab Dvalishvili** could be considered the greatest bantamweight of all time, indicating that he remains engaged with the sport even as he prepares to step away from active competition.
As fans eagerly anticipate UFC 323, Cejudo’s legacy and contributions to mixed martial arts will undoubtedly be remembered long after he leaves the Octagon.
