Henry Cejudo: history, height, weight, age, wealth

Brief summary of the article

Point Clé	Details
Full name	Henry Cejudo
Date of birth	9 February 1987
Size	5 feet 4 inches (1.63 m)
Weight	135 lbs (61 kg)
Fortune estimated	Approximately 4 to 6 million dollars

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Introduction

When we talk about Henry Cejudo, we are talking about a figure who transcends mere statistics and titles. Born in Los Angeles in 1987, he grew up in a less than ideal environment, marked by poverty and the challenges of daily life in a tough neighbourhood. Yet despite these obstacles, Cejudo has always displayed an unwavering determination, an iron will that has led him to become not only an Olympic wrestling champion, but also a two-time UFC champion, a feat that very few athletes can boast. This extraordinary career, punctuated by dazzling victories and moments of doubt, has made him one of the most respected and admired athletes in the world of combat sports. In today's article, we're going to delve into the fascinating world of Henry Cejudo, explore the key moments in his life, his impact on the world of sport, and of course, discover how this formidable fighter built an impressive career and fortune.

Henry Cejudo: History, height, weight, age, wealth

Henry Cejudo is the story of a man who turned his difficulties into strength. Born on 9 February 1987, he grew up in Los Angeles in a large family facing many socio-economic challenges. His parents, originally from Mexico, emigrated to the United States in search of a better life. But reality was far from the American dream for the Cejudo family. Young Henry had to cope with poverty, living in overcrowded accommodation and changing schools frequently. These conditions could have broken any childBut they forged in him a resilience and determination that were to become his trademarks.

It was at the age of 11 that Henry discovered wrestling, a sport that was to change his life. Inspired by his older brother, Angel Cejudo, himself an accomplished wrestler, Henry threw himself body and soul into the sport. He trained relentlessly, finding in wrestling not only an escape from his difficult reality, but also a way of proving his worth. His tenacity soon paid off: he won four consecutive state championships in Arizona, a feat that attracted the attention of national coaches. At just 17, he was already training with the best wrestlers in the United States at the Olympic Centre in Colorado Springs.

At the age of 21, Henry Cejudo made history by winning a gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing in the 55kg freestyle wrestling category. This triumph made him the youngest American to win gold in this discipline, an incredible feat for a young man who had had to overcome so many obstacles. This victory was just the beginning of his adventure into the world of combat sports.

A career punctuated by victories

Cejudo's story is not limited to his Olympic gold medal. After his triumph in Beijing, he could have contented himself with this success and taken early retirement as a national hero. But for Cejudo, the idea of resting on his laurels was unthinkable. His thirst for new challenges led him to explore a completely different universe: that of mixed martial arts (MMA). It was a bold gamble. MMA, with its punches, submissions and brutal intensity, was a world away from the wrestling mats. But Cejudo wasn't one to back down in the face of the unknown.

In 2013, he made his MMA debut, following a period of intense training to adapt to the new demands of the sport. His professional debut was explosive: he won his first six fights, quickly making a name for himself as one of the most promising on the circuit. His success in MMA was not just a question of raw talent, but also of strategy. He took advantage of his small stature (5 foot 4 inches) and weight (135 lbs) to develop a unique fighting style based on speed and agility. He proved that in the octagon, it's not size that counts, but spirit and technique.

His UFC career really took off in 2014 when he signed with the organisation. From his very first fight, he showed that he wasn't there to make up the numbers. In 2018, he became flyweight champion by beating Demetrious Johnson, considered at the time to be one of the best fighters in the UFC. A year later, he repeated the feat by becoming cockweight champion, adding a second belt to his tally. This feat made him one of the few athletes in UFC history to hold two titles simultaneously, an achievement that testifies to his incredible versatility and mastery of combat.

An impressive UFC career

In the UFC, Henry Cejudo has built a reputation as a formidable fighter, but also as a strategist. His methodical approach to fighting, combined with unfailing discipline, enabled him to dominate his toughest opponents. Every fight was an opportunity for him to push back his limits, improve his technique and prove to everyone that he deserved his place among the best. But what really sets Cejudo apart is his ability to reinvent himself. Whether adapting his wrestling style to MMA or innovating with new techniques, he has constantly sought to evolve, refusing to rest on his laurels.

It was this mentality that led him to take on some of the biggest names in MMA and come out on top. In 2019, after winning the bantamweight title, Cejudo was at the peak of his career. But instead of savouring his success, he chose to keep fighting, taking on ever greater challenges. For him, each victory was a step towards something greater, a never-ending quest for perfection.

In May 2020, after defending his title against Dominick Cruz at UFC 249, Henry Cejudo surprised everyone by announcing his retirement from MMA. This decision, taken at the height of his fame, left many fans baffled. But for Cejudo, it was about leaving the sport at the top, without having experienced the decline that many champions have had to face.

A temporary retirement and an unexpected return

However, the spirit of a champion is never truly retired. In 2023, Cejudo decided to return to competition, motivated by the idea of reclaiming what he felt was rightfully his: the cockweight title. His return to the UFC was greeted with enthusiasm by his fans, eager to see their champion back in action. But his return was not crowned with success. At UFC 288, Cejudo lost to Aljamain Sterling in a close fight, losing by split decision. Although the loss was disappointing, it did nothing to tarnish his legacy. Cejudo proved that he remains a top-class fighter, capable of competing with the best, even after a long break.

Cejudo's comeback also showed his unwavering passion for the sport. For many, he is more than just an athlete: he is a model of perseverance, an example of what can be achieved with hard work and determination. His journey is a lesson for all those who dream of success, whatever their field.

Henry Cejudo's fortune

Henry Cejudo's success is not just measured by his championship belts or spectacular victories. It is also reflected in his financial success. Over the years, Cejudo has managed to monetise his talent and image, becoming one of the UFC's most lucrative fighters. His fortune, estimated at between 4 and 6 million dollars, is the result not only of his earnings as a fighter, but also of his sponsorship contracts with renowned brands such as Reebok, BodyArmor and Monster Energy. These partnerships

has also enabled him to diversify his sources of income. In addition to his sponsorship contracts, Cejudo has generated income as a coach and speaker, sharing his expertise and inspirational journey with audiences around the world.

Beyond the numbers, his fortune reflects the respect and admiration he has earned in the world of combat sports. Every dollar he has earned is the result of his relentless efforts, his determination to overcome obstacles and rise to the top in two of the world's most competitive disciplines: wrestling and MMA. Today, although Cejudo is no longer an active fighter, he continues to make an impact through his influence in the world of sport and his various businesses.

Conclusion

Henry Cejudo is the story of a man who defied the odds, overcame the odds and reached heights few athletes can even dream of. From his humble beginnings in the tough neighbourhoods of Los Angeles to his Olympic gold medal and UFC championship titles, Cejudo has shown that with determination, discipline and a fighting spirit, anything is possible.

His career is a testament to strength of character and hard work. As he looks to the future, with a solid fortune and a reputation as a sporting legend, one thing is certain: Henry Cejudo has not finished making a name for himself. Whether as an influencer, coach or businessman, he will continue to inspire and motivate future generations, proving once again that true success is measured not just by victories on the pitch, but also by the impact you leave on the world.

Sources : Boxing Wiki

See also : Official veterans' website