Retiring UFC star Henry Cejudo has launched a blistering attack on the sport’s leadership ahead of his final fight at UFC 323, calling on President Dana White and athletic commissions to finally address the persistent danger of eye pokes.
“I think everybody needs to man up,” Cejudo declared in a passionate interview. His frustration stems from a career marred by the issue, most notably his last fight against Song Yadong, which ended in a no-contest after a brutal eye poke left Cejudo unable to continue.
“They talk about fighter safety, but where’s the action?” he continued. “We see it over and over—Tom Aspinall just got both eyes gouged. It changes fights, it ruins careers. It’s time for the people in charge to do their job.”
Henry Cejudo went off on Dana White, the Nevada State Athletic Commission and the referees for the current eye poke problem
“Man up and make a f*****g decision. If you’re not gonna do it that’s bulls**t. I’m gonna take my warning and start sticking guys in the eye too then” pic.twitter.com/7RZs6uIxYq
— FULL SEND MMA (@full_send_mma) December 3, 2025
A Fighter’s Plea in His Final Act
Cejudo, a former two-division champion, will face rising contender Payton Talbott at UFC 323 in what he has confirmed will be the final bout of his storied career. Rather than a quiet farewell, the Olympic gold medallist is using his platform to demand lasting change.
His criticism extends beyond the UFC brass to the athletic commissions that sanction and regulate bouts. “The rules are there, but the enforcement is a joke,” Cejudo argued. “A point deduction is meaningless if it happens in the fourth round of a fight you’ve already lost because you can’t see. We need instant, harsh penalties from the very first foul.”
Cejudo’s stance has resonated with many fighters. Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, who recently suffered dual eye pokes in his title defence against Ciryl Gane, has been similarly vocal about the need for reform, creating a united front amongst high-profile athletes.
The Stakes at UFC 323
While the event is headlined by a bantamweight title rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan, Cejudo’s final walk to the Octagon—and his powerful message—adds a significant layer of narrative to the night.
“This isn’t just about me getting my last win,” Cejudo stated. “This is about leaving the sport better than I found it. If my last act is to make Dana and the commissioners actually fix this, then that’s a legacy worth more than any belt.”
Whether his plea will prompt immediate action remains to be seen. For now, Cejudo’s retirement fight has become a rallying point for a long-ignored issue, proving that even on his way out, “Triple C” is still fighting for what he believes in.
