Henry Cejudo supports decision to postpone the 2020 Olympics: 'The right thing to do'

H. Cejudo with his belts. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @hemry_cejudo

One of the biggest impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on sport was the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, which would take place in July this year. With a history in the competition, the UFC medalist and champion, Henry Cejudo, expressed his support for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in moving the event to 2021. The fighter spoke about the matter in a statement to 'MMA Fighting'.

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“I think postponing the Olympics is the right thing to do. If you don't postpone the Olympics, there are 10.000 athletes who compete, who are in the Olympic Village. I just think it’s the right thing to do at this point,” said the athlete.

Henry understands that this is not the time to risk the physical integrity of thousands of people responsible for holding one of the biggest sporting events in history. For 'Triple C', the postponement may even be beneficial for some athletes, who are recovering from injuries and may have more time to prepare.

“They will have (the games). They will have it in 2021. I think, for the good of the world, it should be postponed. For those athletes who are possibly injured or need more time, I want to say that they will have it (the time) now. Which is a good deal for a lot of people who go through injuries and what not. So it's a difficult decision, but it's the right decision. I'm happy to have achieved my gold in 2008 without any problems”, concluded Cejudo.

According to the IOC, the expectation is that the games will take place close to the summer of next year, which will take place in February, in Japan.

Henry was Olympic champion in 2008, in Beijing (CHI), representing the United States in wrestling. In 2013, the athlete made his MMA debut. Since then, the fighter has had a successful career in mixed martial arts, even winning two belts in different divisions in Ultimate (flyweight and bantamweight).

The North American is now preparing for his title defense. The fighter will face José Aldo in the main fight of UFC 250, which takes place on May 9, in São Paulo.