Henry Cejudo surprised just about everyone at UFC 249 when he made the decision to retire after defeating Dominick Cruz in the co-main event.
Cejudo is just 33 years old and at the top of the sport as the reigning UFC Bantamweight Champion. He is one of the most decorated combat sports athletes of all-time winning UFC gold in two divisions and an Olympic gold medal.
When asked at the UFC 249 post-fight press conference about his decision to retire and whether it's something he's thought about for a while, Cejudo replied, "I told to my mentor Dave Zowine, especially after my shoulder surgery and had that time off. I love freedom. This is why you guys saw me at a lot of UFC events, I enjoy that stuff. Since I was 11 years old, I probably have 600 competitions and wrestling matches, that's all I've ever done. I don't have kids -- I finally got a girl now -- I want to step into a new chapter in my life. I've been extremely selfish, rightfully so, to obtain what I've obtained. I want to leave on top. I did it in wrestling and I want to do it in MMA. I don't see myself coming back. I want to remain king forever."
Many are already skeptical of Cejudo's retirement, believing it to be a negotiating tactic for a bigger paycheck in his next fight. When asked if money could lure him out of retirement, Cejudo said, "[Dana] knows the number. I really do want to walk away, but money talks. The UFC takes care of me, but I'm ready to start that new chapter in my life. When I walked away from wrestling, I completely walked away and never looked back. I appreciate everything [UFC] has done. I would never want to bad talk them because they took care of me financially."
Cejudo mentioned the possibility of getting into real estate in hist post-UFC life along with starting a family. He also said he would like to make an appearance at a WWE event.
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