Henry Cejudo bantamweight title fight after three years away. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Scheduled to perform at UFC 288, in a duel valid for the bantamweight belt (up to 61,2kg.), Henry Cejudo made its long-awaited return official after three years of inactivity. Exuding confidence on the eve of the fight against aljamain sterling, 'Triplo C' was privileged by the organization to receive an immediate chance at the division title. Despite 'jumping the queue', the athlete already has other opponents in mind, should he triumph this Saturday (6).
Retired in 2020, Henry announced his surprising decision after knocking out MMA legend, Dominick Cruz. At a great moment in his career, the Olympic medalist had just become a double champion in the UFC and held the flyweight (up to 56,7kg) and bantamweight titles.
See too
To remember similar achievements, the team at SUPER FIGHTS separated two other episodes, in which former champions returned after a long time away and competed for the Ultimate belt.
Georges St-Pierre x Michael Bisping
St. Pierre returned finishing Bisping (Photo: Reproduction/FacebookUFC)
Considered as one of the best of all time by many MMA fans, Georges St-Pierre gave up on retirement and decided to put on the gloves to make a triumphant return to the most famous octagon in the world. Former welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg.), the Canadian chose to venture into the top category, where he was reigned, at the time, by Michael Bisping.
Scheduled to face each other at UFC 217, the fighters gave their all. In the third round, St-Pierre's experience and skill prevailed and were responsible for the athlete's great victory. About to complete four years of retirement, 'Rush', as he is known, ignored the time, showed his flagship credentials and submitted the Englishman with a rear naked choke. With the triumph, Georges retired for good and reached the mark of 13 fights in a row without being defeated.
Jon Jones vs Cyryl Gane
Dominant in the light heavyweight category (up to 93kg.), Jon Jones claimed that he no longer felt challenged by division rivals. After a contested victory over Dominick reyes, the fighter announced that he would move away from the octagon, looking to move up to heavyweight (up to 120,2kg.). After a long wait, the MMA community no longer had expectations for 'Bones' return, until the long-awaited day arrived: Ultimate announces the icon's official return to face the feared Cyryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight belt, in UFC 285, in Las Vegas.
A favorite at the bookmakers, Jones has not lost the fans' trust even after three years away. With great weight and mass gain, the North American moved some people with the physique he presented on the eve of the fight. To the relief of his followers, that was the only surprise. In a gala performance, 'Bones' lived up to his favoritism and submitted the Frenchman in the first round, by applying a 'guillotine'. After the feat, Dana White claimed that the fighter is on another level in the history of mixed martial arts.
You need login To comment.