“Iron Mike” Tyson was impressed by what he saw from former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo.
UFC 323, an upcoming pay-per-view event in Las Vegas, will not only feature two reigning champions headlining the card but also several fighters with proven championship experience from major MMA organizations.
Ahead of Petr Yan’s bantamweight title clash against Merab Dvalishvili, Brandon Moreno and Jan Vlahovic will also look to move closer to reclaiming UFC gold.
Meanwhile, it’s a different chapter for Henry Cejudo, a retiring two-weight champion often hailed as one of the greatest athletes in martial arts history.
Known primarily for his wrestling, Cejudo’s striking power is equally notable—a fact observed firsthand by boxing legend Mike Tyson in 2020.
After successfully defending his bantamweight title at UFC 249 by defeating Dominick Cruz, Cejudo surprised many by announcing his retirement. Despite stepping away from competition, he remained active in martial arts and even trained alongside Tyson, who was preparing for a boxing comeback against Roy Jones Jr.
Under the guidance of MMA coach Rafael Cordeiro, Tyson taught Cejudo his signature uppercut, demonstrating how to deliver powerful blows to the body. Tyson praised Cejudo’s execution, calling his attempt “perfect.”
As UFC 323 approaches, Cejudo’s final fight will be against unranked newcomer Peyton Talbot, a booking that initially sparked debate. UFC President Dana White defended the matchup, explaining the value in matching a seasoned veteran like Cejudo with a rising fighter like Talbot to test and challenge the newcomer.
The fight symbolizes the sunset of an incredible career for Cejudo and the dawn for a new prospect in the sport.
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Fan Take: This news is significant for fight fans as it marks the close of Henry Cejudo’s remarkable journey — a fighter who has transcended divisions and demonstrated elite skill. His final bout and collaboration with icons like Mike Tyson highlight the sport’s evolving blend of disciplines and the constant passing of the torch to new talent.
