Money troubles, rivalry, and one last chance in the octagon — Dominick Cruz didn’t hold back when discussing Henry Cejudo’s rumored farewell fight. And this is where things get heated. According to Cruz, the former two-division UFC champion might not be fighting purely for glory this time.
Cejudo (16-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC) is expected to step into the cage one final time on December 6 at UFC 323, taking place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. His opponent? Rising talent Payton Talbott (10-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC). Fans can catch the event live on ESPN+, ESPN2, Disney+, and FX as part of the pay-per-view broadcast. But Cruz isn’t convinced this swan song is entirely about competition.
Cruz, who once shared the octagon with Cejudo in a 2020 title fight that ended in Cejudo's temporary retirement, seems to think there’s more to this comeback than meets the eye. “He already retired once after our fight,” Cruz recalled in an interview with MMA Junkie. “Since then, I fought twice more, and if he hadn’t walked away, we could’ve had a rematch. But maybe he’s broke. Sounds like he needs the money.”
That jab definitely landed. But setting the banter aside, Cruz believes the matchup itself works in Cejudo’s favor—if he’s smart about it. He described Talbott as a legitimate threat, yet one that Cejudo could neutralize by leaning on his Olympic wrestling pedigree. “Talbott’s a good fighter, a real danger,” Cruz said. “If Henry focuses on his wrestling—like Merab Dvalishvili does—he has all the skills to control the fight and probably dominate. But I’m not sure he will. He might try to trade strikes instead.”
And that’s where Cruz sees potential trouble brewing. “If Henry goes in there trying to box with Talbott too much, he’s going to have problems,” he explained. “There’s no doubt in my mind that Henry can outwrestle him and win three strong rounds. But lately, he’s been striking more than wrestling, and that could play right into Talbott’s hands.”
Cruz shared these thoughts during his guest spot on The Bohnfire podcast with MMA Junkie’s senior reporter Mike Bohn. It’s clear that, beyond the analysis, this is also a battle of pride—two rivals still throwing verbal punches years later.
But here’s the real question: Is Cejudo truly chasing one last moment of glory, or is Cruz right—does this comeback have more to do with money than legacy? Let’s hear your take: is this fight about passion or paycheck?
