Henry Cejudo Targets UFC Title in High-Stakes Return Fight

SEATTLE, Wash. — Former UFC bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo is gearing up for a critical comeback fight against Song Yadong at Climate Pledge Arena on February 22, 2025. Following back-to-back losses, Cejudo, 38, aims to reclaim his status as a top contender in the UFC, emphasizing his singular goal of securing another title before he retires.

“100 percent [going for the title], that’s what it’s always about,” Cejudo told MMA Fighting. “If it wasn’t about that, for sure I wouldn’t be fighting.” After winning and defending the bantamweight title in 2019, he briefly retired but has struggled to find the same success since his return three years later. Cejudo lost to Aljamain Sterling and then to Merab Dvalishvili in February 2024, leaving him eager to rebound.

Despite the setbacks, Cejudo insists age is not a detriment to his performance. He believes his skill and ability to demonstrate his technique in front of a crowd is what truly matters. “Am I able to display my art inside of the octagon in front of 25,000 people? That’s where it gets real for me,” he added.

Cejudo acknowledges that he is not in a position to negotiate his opponents following his recent losses. Instead, when the UFC approached him with the chance to fight Song Yadong, he accepted without hesitation. “Once you’re not champion…you’ve got to take what they give you,” he said. “I think for me, I personally like the stylistic matchup with Song. I think he’s powerful…but I also see deficiencies, and I’m looking to expose that on Feb. 22.”

Initially, there were disagreements between Cejudo and Hunter Campbell, the UFC’s chief business officer, regarding the matchup. However, Cejudo eventually recognized that this was the fight the promotion wanted. “You’ve got to take what they give you… I just said all right, let’s do it,” Cejudo explained. He emphasized his readiness to fight, stating he would accept whatever the UFC offers.

While reclaiming the bantamweight title is paramount for Cejudo, he also acknowledges the personal significance of potentially facing Dvalishvili again. Since defeating Cejudo in 2024, Dvalishvili earned the bantamweight championship and defended it successfully against Umar Nurmagomedov.

“100 percent. Hell yeah,” Cejudo responded when asked about the possibility of fighting Dvalishvili for the title again. “The best is winning but even better than winning is getting payback. Like revenge. So on top of winning, when you’re able to do that, you just prove to yourself a lot.”

Despite his ambitions, Cejudo respects Dvalishvili’s achievements, including his current 12-fight winning streak. “What he’s been able to do… I don’t feel so bad after losing to him,” Cejudo admitted, indicating his awareness of Dvalishvili’s skill and success since their encounter.

The upcoming fight with Yadong marks a pivotal moment for Cejudo as he seeks to prove himself and challenge for the title once again. If victorious, he will not only enhance his own standing but may well set the stage for a rematch that could define his legacy in the sport.