UFC removes Henry Cejudo from official bantamweight rankings

Henry Cejudo has been removed from the UFC’s official bantamweight rankings.

Cejudo (16-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) is no longer listed as “champion” atop the 135-pound rankings, according to UFC.com. The change, which was made Sunday, comes in the wake of his UFC 249 post-fight retirement speech.

On May 9, after he successfully defended his bantamweight title for the first time with a second-round TKO win over Dominick Cruz, Cejudo shocked the world by announcing his unexpected retirement on the microphone.

“I’m happy with my career. I’ve done enough in the sport. I want to walk away,” Cejudo said. “I want to enjoy myself. I’m 33 years old – I have a girl now who’s watching back home. I eventually want to start a family. Since I was 11 years old, I sacrificed my whole life to get where I’m at today. I’m not going to let nobody take that from me. So I’m retiring tonight. I’m 33 years old. I’m happy with my career. Uncle Dana (White), I want to say thank you for everything. You’re the man. … Thank you so much, but ‘Triple C’s’ out. You guys don’t have to hear my ass no more.”

The announcement was so surprising, many questioned if it was simply a negotiating tactic or the latest quirky addition to Cejudo’s “King of Cringe” character. Alas, Cejudo doubled down at the post-fight press conference and affirmed UFC 249 was the end of his competitive MMA journey.

However, in a recent interview, Cejudo’s manager Ali Abdelaziz contradicted his client’s claims. Abelaziz said he expects Cejudo to fight again.

“Henry’s got everybody on their knees right now,” Abdelaziz said. “I don’t think he’s gonna retire. You’re gonna see him fight by this summer. This is what I think.”

Check out the UFC’s official bantamweight rankings below: