N※N

Cejudo Declares Final Fight Before Retirement, Rejects Commentary and Coaching Roles

85

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. ement-rejects-commentary-and-coaching-roles.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at 11:39 GMT by Total Pro Sports

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-12-04 179 x 224 / 15126 Bytes

2025-12-04 201 x 224 / 6324 Bytes

2025-12-04 224 x 224 / 11080 Bytes

2025-12-04 179 x 224 / 13184 Bytes

Henry Cejudo Declares Final Fight Before Retirement: “No More Commentary or Coaching”

The MMA world was jolted last week when Henry Cejudo—two‑division UFC champion, Olympic gold medalist, and a household name in the sport—announced that he will not be taking any post‑retirement roles. Instead, the former featherweight champion revealed that his last bout will be a one‑off showdown with a rival he has long held in high esteem. The news came after months of speculation about whether Cejudo would transition into a commentator’s chair, start a fight team, or even take a seat on the United States Olympic Committee’s board.

A Career in the Spotlight

Cejudo’s résumé is as diverse as it is impressive. He won a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics in the 66‑kg division and later became the first athlete in UFC history to win titles in two weight classes, capturing the flyweight belt in 2017 and the bantamweight crown in 2019. In total, he has defended each title twice before surrendering the flyweight belt to Brandon Moreno in December 2019, and then taking a brief break to focus on the Olympics before returning to the cage.

In December 2022, after a loss to Brian Ortega at UFC 304, Cejudo went on a media‑free streak that culminated in a terse Instagram post that read simply, “I’m done.” The post sent shock waves through the community, as many wondered whether he would come out of retirement or simply step away from the sport altogether.

“I’m Not Going To Be A Commentator” – The Post‑Retirement Dilemma

The article from Total Pro Sports explores the options that were on Cejudo’s radar when he announced his exit. An interview excerpt—obtained via the link to Cejudo’s official UFC bio—showcases his candid remarks:

“I’ve been asked to do commentary for UFC on ESPN, to coach a team for Bellator, and even to be on the board for the U.S. Olympic Committee. All of that is tempting, but it’s not me.”

He explained that, while he loved the fight business, the idea of “talking about the sport from a distance” felt too removed from the thrill of the octagon. Similarly, the prospect of building a fight team appealed to his coaching instincts, yet the reality of mentoring young fighters seemed to drag him away from his own ambitions.

Cejudo’s decision to ignore these post‑retirement offers came after months of contemplation. A “behind‑the‑scenes” video—linking to a behind‑the‑scene piece on Total Pro Sports—shows him in a quiet corner of his gym, reflecting on what it means to leave a career that has defined his identity.

Choosing a Rival for the Last Fight

The kicker in the article is the revelation that Cejudo’s final fight will be against a rival he has never fought in a title‑sized bout: Demetrious “Mighty" Johnson. The former flyweight champion, who held the belt for a staggering 11 consecutive title defenses, has been a frequent target for Cejudo’s post‑retirement “what‑if” scenarios.

The article quotes Cejudo:

“If there’s one person who I’d love to fight again, it’s DeMi. He pushed me to my limits, and we had one of the most intriguing rivalries in the division.”

The decision was not made in isolation. A link to a fight analyst’s commentary on Total Pro Sports provides context, explaining that both fighters have expressed mutual respect over the years, and that a fight between the two would attract a staggering viewership.

The piece also notes the logistical challenges of arranging such a fight, especially with Johnson’s current contractual commitments to the UFC. Still, Cejudo expressed optimism that a “special event” could be organized, potentially as a “Superfight” on a Sunday night broadcast, and would “bring the legacy of our division full circle.”

What This Means for the UFC and the Sport

A Henry Cejudo vs. Demetrious Johnson fight would not just be a headline‑grabber—it would have historical significance. It would be the first time two UFC flyweight champions from different eras have faced each other in a non‑title bout, and it would be a fitting send‑off for both men, each of whom has contributed to the division’s legitimacy on the world stage.

The article also explores how the UFC might handle Cejudo’s retirement announcement. A link to a UFC press release in the piece shows that the promotion is planning a “retirement ceremony” that will highlight Cejudo’s achievements, while simultaneously teasing the upcoming fight with Johnson as a “possible event.”

Cejudo’s decision to sideline commentary and coaching offers is a reminder that many athletes see retirement as a chance to write their own story rather than let the sport dictate it. It also underscores the importance of legacy—something that Cejudo feels most strongly about, and something that Johnson, with his own storied career, can help cement.

Bottom Line

Henry Cejudo’s announcement has reverberated across the MMA world. By dismissing the typical post‑retirement paths and choosing a final showdown with a rival, he reaffirms his status as a fighter who always preferred the octagon over the commentary booth. For fans and analysts alike, the prospect of a Cejudo‑Johnson bout promises a match that could define the end of an era for the UFC’s flyweight division, while celebrating the achievements of two of the sport’s most iconic figures. Whether that fight will materialize remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Cejudo’s legacy will continue to be shaped by the decisions he makes right up until his last fight.