Introduction
Henry Cejudo is one of the most decorated combat sports athletes ever to step into the cage. An Olympic gold-medalist wrestler and a former dual-division champion in UFC, Cejudo’s career is a rare blend of elite wrestling pedigree and MMA success. Known by his moniker “Triple C,” his journey from hardship to gold — both in the Olympics and the UFC — has inspired many. In this article, we explore where he’s from, his fighting stats (weigh-in), whether he’s retired or active, and why he adopted “Triple C” as his identity.
Where is Henry Cejudo from?
- Henry Cejudo was born on February 9, 1987, in Los Angeles, California, USA.
He is of Mexican descent — his parents were immigrants.
Cejudo spent parts of his childhood in Los Angeles, but after early family turmoil — including his father’s substance abuse and legal issues — his mother relocated the family for safety.
Eventually, the family settled in Phoenix, Arizona, where Cejudo would grow up, train, and begin his wrestling career.
Despite financial hardship and instability early on, Cejudo overcame adversity — a background that arguably shaped his fighting spirit and will to succeed.
Weigh-in: Height, Weight Class, and Physical Stats
Here’s a snapshot of Henry Cejudo’s physical profile and fighting credentials:
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Height: 5 ft 4 in (≈ 163 cm)
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Typical Fighting Weight: 135 lb (≈ 61 kg) — when fighting at Bantamweight.
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Weight Classes Competed:
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Flyweight (earlier in his UFC career)
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Bantamweight (later/more recent)
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MMA Career Record (as of recent fights): 16 wins, 5 losses (16-5-0)
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Of these wins: 8 by knockout (KOs), 8 by decision.
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Cejudo’s blend of elite wrestling — from his Olympic background — with striking and MMA skills has made him a dangerous all-rounder in the cage.
Did Henry Cejudo Retire — or is he Active?
The question of whether Cejudo is retired has come up repeatedly — and like much in his career, the answer is nuanced.
First Retirement (2020)
After a successful run in the UFC, Cejudo defended his Bantamweight title at UFC 249 (May 9, 2020), defeating Dominick Cruz via strikes. Immediately after that fight, he announced his retirement from active MMA competition.
That retirement was widely seen as him exiting at the top — leaving as champion, on his own terms.
Return to MMA (2023)
However, Cejudo returned to the Octagon in 2023, challenging for the Bantamweight title again. He faced Aljamain Sterling at UFC 288 (May 6, 2023), but lost via split decision.
Following that, he also fought other bouts — but results didn’t go his way.
Latest Status — Probably Retiring Again (2025)
As of late 2025, Cejudo has indicated that his fight at UFC 323 may be his last.
Thus, while he’s not definitively “retired for good,” he’s suggested that this may be his final bow — unless the right offer comes along.
So, is he retired? For now — possibly. But as with his first retirement, it might again depend on what opportunities arise.
Why is he called “Triple C”?
One of the most distinctive aspects of Cejudo’s branding is his nickname: “Triple C.” But what does it mean?
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The moniker “Triple C” stands for “Champ-Champ-Champ.” The idea is that Cejudo has earned three major championships: his Olympic gold medal (as a freestyle wrestler) and two UFC titles (Flyweight and Bantamweight).
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In other words: Olympic Champion + UFC Flyweight Champion + UFC Bantamweight Champion = Three Championships = Triple C.
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The nickname also reflects his ambition and confidence — in his own words, being a “triple champion” underscores his status as an elite combat athlete.
That said — as some critics point out — the “Triple C” moniker can feel dated now that Cejudo is no longer champion in those divisions.
Career Highlights & Achievements
Olympic Wrestling Career
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Cejudo won Olympic gold at the 2008 Summer Olympics (Beijing) in freestyle wrestling (55 kg), at age 21 — becoming the youngest American ever to win Olympic wrestling gold at the time.
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He was a multiple-time national champion, Pan-American champion, and decorated athlete in amateur freestyle wrestling.
This wrestling pedigree laid a rock-solid foundation for his later transition to mixed martial arts.
UFC & MMA Success
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Signed by the UFC in July 2014.
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Became UFC Flyweight Champion after defeating Demetrious Johnson at UFC 227 (2018) — one of the most significant wins of his career.
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Later moved up in weight to win the UFC Bantamweight Championship, defeating Marlon Moraes at UFC 238 (2019).
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His ability to win titles in two weight classes placed him among a select few in UFC history.
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Combined with his Olympic gold, these achievements form the foundation of his “Triple C” legacy.
Legacy & Impact: Is Henry Cejudo Among the Greatest?
Many consider Henry Cejudo to be one of the greatest — not just of his era — but across combat sports history. The reasoning:
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His Olympic wrestling accomplishments stand on their own. Winning gold at 21 years old is extraordinary.
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By transitioning successfully to MMA and securing two UFC belts, he proved that elite wrestling — when combined with striking and MMA adaptability — can produce dominant champions.
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His willingness to challenge himself, move weight classes, and fight top-level opponents underscores a mindset of ambition and excellence.
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Even critics acknowledge: his Olympic gold alone would have made him a legend; add UFC double champion status — and his legacy is cemented among combat sports elites.
Nonetheless, some point out that since he vacated belts and had losses after his return, the “champion aura” has softened a bit.
FAQs
Q: What does “Triple C” stand for?
A: “Triple C” stands for “Champ-Champ-Champ” — representing three major championships: his Olympic gold medal in wrestling, plus his two UFC titles (Flyweight and Bantamweight).
Q: Is Henry Cejudo retired permanently?
A: As of 2025, Cejudo has indicated that his fight at UFC 323 will likely be his last, but he hasn’t ruled out a return if a compelling fight is offered.
Q: Where was Cejudo born and where did he grow up?
A: He was born in Los Angeles, California, USA. His family eventually moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where he grew up and trained.
Q: What is Cejudo’s fight record in MMA?
A: As of recent fights, his professional MMA record stands at 16 wins and 5 losses (16-5-0).
Q: Which titles has Cejudo held?
A: He has held the UFC Flyweight Championship and UFC Bantamweight Championship — becoming a rare dual-division champion.
Conclusion
Henry Cejudo — “Triple C” — is a fighter whose legacy spans both amateur wrestling and professional MMA. From winning Olympic gold at 21, enduring hardship in his youth, to becoming a double-division UFC champion, his journey reflects resilience, versatility, and excellence. Whether he steps away for good after UFC 323 or returns for another round, his accomplishments have already secured him a place among the greats of combat sports.
