With a knockout of two-time bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz on Saturday, Henry Cejudo as soon as once more declared himself the best athlete in fight sports activities historical past. 

After which he walked away for good. 

In a shocking flip of occasions, the 33-year-old Cejudo ended his post-fight interview contained in the Octagon at UFC 249 at Vystar Veterans Memorial Area in Jacksonville, Florida, by asserting his retirement. 

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“Since I used to be 11 years outdated, I sacrificed my entire life and I am not going to let anybody take that away from me,” Cejudo stated. “I need to begin a household. I am retiring tonight. Triple C is out, you guys do not have to listen to my ass no extra.”

The victory added one more legendary identify to Cejudo’s UFC resume, which incorporates Demetrious Johnson, TJ Dillashaw and Marlon Moraes in his final three fights. The 2008 U.S. Olympic gold medalist additionally joined Daniel Cormier as simply the second fighter to carry UFC titles in a number of divisions by spoiling the comeback of Cruz (22-3) after practically 4 years method from the Octagon because of accidents. 

Cejudo (16-2), in his first look since shoulder surgical procedure, landed an ideal counter knee which caught Cruz flush as he ducked in and floored him. He swarmed in to land a clear punch to the ear earlier than flurrying with unanswered punches as Cruz tried to circle away on the bottom. Referee Keith Peterson jumped in to cease the bout at 4:58 of Spherical 2 simply as Cruz was on the verge of standing. 

“I am not pleased with the stoppage as a result of I particularly requested the ref to let me go till I used to be out and I used to be standing up,” Cruz stated. “If I used to be on the ground, I get it, however I used to be on the best way up. Give me an opportunity. That is for a world title, this is not some yard combat.”

Regardless of the disputed stoppage, Cejudo was pretty dominant in opposition to the previous two-time champion and biggest bantamweight in MMA historical past. 

Cejudo managed the opening spherical by patiently touchdown arduous leg strikes which left Cruz’s lead leg vibrant pink and slowed down his patented tempo and awkward rhythm. After an unintentional head conflict in Spherical 2 precipitated a minimize on Cejudo’s hairline in Spherical 2, he got here alive and went for the end. 

“I am a chameleon, I can alter,” Cejudo stated. “You’ll be able to attempt to examine me and prepare for me, however on the finish of the day, I’ve an important [team]. We caught to the sport plan and that is all she wrote.

“I am ruthless, I am ruthless. I could also be cringy, corny, however boy can I combat. I’m the best fight sports activities athlete of all time. Nobody has my resume.”

Cejudo vacated his flyweight title in 2019 and knocked out Moraes final June to assert the vacant 135-pound title. Cruz, in the meantime, was not sure of his future after the loss. 

“I am unsure,” Cruz stated. “I may have achieved the identical factor Henry was doing if I needed to. I needed to complete this combat. I’ve by no means been knocked out earlier than.”

For full outcomes, highlights and evaluation of the motion on Saturday evening, make sure to go to the CBS Sports UFC 249 live blog.