UFC 249: Pros React to Cejudo’s Co-Main Event Win, Announcement

Henry Cejudo
Henry Cejudo Credit: Rodney James Edgar/Cageside Press

After nearly four years away, former WEC and UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz returned to the cage at UFC 249. Quite frankly, we held our breath until they closed the door behind him. Facing the improbable task of dethroning Henry Cejudo after such a lengthy layoff, Cruz was in for quite a night.

It didn’t last nearly as long as he’d planned. A kick that wound up more of a knee put the former champ on his backside late in the second round. Cejudo moved in for the kill, swarming with punches. It looked, however, like Cruz was doing his best to escape, work his way up.

The ref felt otherwise, much to Cruz’s chagrin. Though he’d later admonish the ref and protest the stoppage, Henry Cejudo had defeated another all-time great. The King of Cringe had another highlight… and then, he announced he was stepping away from the sport.

That came completely out of left field. Whether this is a real retirement, a negotiating ploy (as Michael Bisping later suggested), or just a publicity stunt from the King of Cringe remains to be seen.

For now, see how the pros reacted to Cejudo’s win, and announcement, below.

Head’s Up!

The Stoppage

Wait, what?!?