Henry Cejudo once suggested a unique champion-versus-champion fight with an intriguing twist.
Known as “Triple C,” Cejudo is set to be one of the standout fighters closing the UFC’s pay-per-view era this Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The former bantamweight and flyweight titleholder is making his return on the main card of UFC 323, where he faces Peyton Talbot in a matchup that adds excitement ahead of two championship bouts topping the event.
At 38 years old, Cejudo plans to retire after UFC 323, capping off a remarkable career that includes an Olympic gold medal and the rare achievement of becoming a two-division champion in MMA’s biggest promotion.
Yet, despite all his successes, there was one unusual accolade that eluded him…
In August 2019, after knocking out Marlon Moraes to secure the bantamweight belt on top of his flyweight title, Cejudo—known for his brash persona dubbed “King of Cringe”—issued a surprising challenge to fellow champion Valentina Shevchenko via social media.
Following Shevchenko’s successful defense against Liz Carmouche, Cejudo declared his intention to become the first inter-gender champion in history, calling out Shevchenko and expressing his desire to claim the ‘Triple C’ status.
Shevchenko responded in an interview with Ariel Helwani, warning Cejudo to be cautious, referring to him as a “gold nugget hunter” and threatening to strip him of all his titles.
During the exchange, Shevchenko made it clear she wasn’t afraid and was ready to face all challengers inside the Octagon.
UFC President Dana White was quick to voice his disapproval of Cejudo’s intergender challenge, calling it “the most bizarre statement” he had ever heard during a Contender Series press conference.
White expressed bewilderment over Cejudo’s remarks, acknowledging how outlandish they seemed and indicating that he couldn’t comprehend why Cejudo would make such a statement.
Fan Take: This moment reveals the unpredictable and often controversial nature of MMA’s biggest stars, sparking debates that push the boundaries of tradition in the sport. For fans, it highlights the evolving landscape of MMA where showmanship meets genuine athleticism, keeping the sport charged and unpredictable.
