Cejudo Reflects on Eye Injury and Potential Future in MMA
Former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo is re-evaluating his career following serious complications from an eye injury sustained during a recent fight. The injury occurred in a bout against Song Yadong on February 22, which ended controversially when Cejudo was incapacitated due to an eye poke. Five weeks post-fight, Cejudo, now 38, shared his concerns about the inherent risks of mixed martial arts (MMA) and what it means for his future in the sport.
The Fight Incident
Cejudo’s fight with Yadong became a focal point of discussion after Cejudo suffered an eye poke in the third round. Despite taking the allotted five minutes to recover, he continued to fight. Cejudo’s decision to resume ultimately led the match to a technical decision rather than a no-contest, which would have favored him had he not continued.
In Cejudo’s words, “I wanted to fight. I just wanted to fight with f—ing two eyes.” This reflects his disappointment and frustration about the outcome, highlighting how his toughness may have contributed to an unfavorable conclusion.
Health Concerns and Personal Reflection
Since the fight, Cejudo has reported troubling symptoms from his injury, including double vision. He described the incident as the “worst injury” he has experienced in his career, stating, "I sound like a crybaby, but it’s the worst injury that I’ve had." He noted that his symptoms have included periods of seeing double, particularly when looking down or lying down—a condition that has made daily activities challenging.
The magnitude of this injury has profoundly affected Cejudo’s outlook on competing in MMA. In an interview, he revealed, “I think this could potentially be my last fight. One more and that’s it.” His sentiments are driven by a desire to remain healthy for his family, underscoring the personal stakes involved in combat sports.
MMA’s Ongoing Safety Issues
Cejudo’s experience sheds light on a broader problem within MMA—the high incidence of eye pokes. Despite attempts by the UFC to address this with different glove designs, a long-term solution has yet to be implemented. As noted, the UFC has struggled to strike a balance between fighter safety and the nature of the sport.
Cejudo has specifically criticized referee Jason Herzog for not penalizing Yadong for the eye poke, arguing that fighters are well aware that extending fingers towards an opponent’s face is prohibited. Herzog later acknowledged this criticism and accepted responsibility for his oversight during the match.
What’s Next for Cejudo?
As Cejudo contemplates his career trajectory, he expressed a willingness to face Yadong again, stating, “If I can run it back with Song, I would be happy with that.” However, he remains open to other opponents should that opportunity not materialize.
Cejudo’s situation is illustrative of the risks fighters bear in the increasingly scrutinized world of MMA. It raises essential questions about the sport’s regulatory practices and the effectiveness of current safety measures.
Impact and Future Considerations
The events surrounding Cejudo’s fight with Yadong highlight significant concerns regarding fighter safety, oversight, and the prevalence of injuries that can lead to long-term consequences. Cejudo’s potential decision to retire—or at least scale back his fighting career—could prompt discussions about athlete health and safety reforms within the sport. The ongoing dialogue about the dangers of MMA and the effectiveness of regulatory measures will likely gain momentum as more fighters share similar experiences and cautionary tales.
As Cejudo prepares for whatever comes next, his reflections serve as a reminder of the physical and mental toll that professional fighting can take—and the importance of prioritizing health and wellbeing above competition.
