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Henry Cejudo Hints at UFC Retirement Due to Gruesome Injury 'I still see double'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Aldon | Last updated Apr 1, 2025 5:34 PM ET

The crowd roars, the cameras flash, and the highlights go viral, but for UFC fighters, the aftermath of a fight can feel like a fight in itself. When the Octagon door closes, the adrenaline fades and the injuries remain. This reality reveals a harsh truth: the sport’s physical and mental scars can outlast fame, fortune, and even the will to compete. As careers end prematurely, some fighters wonder if the price of glory was too high.

Henry Cejudo, the former UFC double champion and Olympic gold medalist, is contemplating retirement once again after dealing with an injury that has affected his day-to-day life.

In an interview with MMA Junkie's Mike Bohn, Cejudo admitted he's still suffering from the lingering effects of the eye injury he sustained in his UFC Fight Night 253 defeat against Song Yadong.

“I sound like a crybaby, but it’s the worst injury I’ve had,” Cejudo told Bohn. “‘Korean Zombie’ (retired fighter Chan Sung Jung) has the same symptoms, and it was the reason he had to retire. I’m seeing double.”

Watch the full interview with Mike Bohn here:

The former UFC double champion sustained a severe eye injury in his recent bout against Song Yadong at UFC Seattle. The fight concluded in the third round due to an accidental eye poke from Yadong, leading to a technical decision loss for Cejudo.

Cejudo revealed to Bohn that he filed an appeal with the Washington State Department of Licensing (WSDOL), alleging referee Jason Herzog mishandled their fight. While it's unclear if the move will succeed, Cejudo said his goal is to have the result overturned to a no contest.

Back in 2020, Cejudo announced his retirement at age 33, walking away as UFC bantamweight champion while still in his athletic prime. After nearly three years away, the Olympic gold medalist reversed course in 2023, returning to challenge then-bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling at UFC 288. Now, after his latest loss to Song and dealing with a serious injury, Cejudo believes he may retire this time for good.

“Triple C” then stated that his next appearance in the octagon could mark his retirement—a career move he discussed with his wife.

“If I can run it back with Song, I would be happy with that. But if it’s not Song, I would like anyone that the UFC’s willing to give me.” Cejudo admitted. “I want to be able to play with my kids. I want to be able to not lose an eye.”

Cejudo's career has been marked by significant achievements, including becoming the UFC's fourth simultaneous two-division champion and defending both titles. As Cejudo weighs his future in the sport, his potential retirement would mark the end of an era in the UFC bantamweight and flyweight divisions.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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