Henry Cejudo Looking to Move On After UFC Retirement But Says ‘Money Talks’

Henry Cejudo’s decision to retire after UFC 249 is one he wants to hold to, but he says that enough money could change his plans. Cejudo announced his retirement after defeating Dominick Cruz to defend his bantamweight title at last night’s PPV and talked about the decision during the post-fight press conference.

“I told [my plans] to my mentor Dave Zowine, especially after my shoulder surgery and had that time off,” Cejudo said (per Fightful). “I love freedom. This is why you guys saw me at a lot of UFC events, I enjoy that stuff. Since I was 11 years old, I probably have 600 competitions and wrestling matches, that’s all I’ve ever done. I don’t have kids — I finally got a girl now — I want to step into a new chapter in my life. I’ve been extremely selfish, rightfully so, to obtain what I’ve obtained. I want to leave on top. I did it in wrestling and I want to do it in MMA. I don’t see myself coming back. I want to remain king forever.”

When asked if money could bring him back to the Octagon, Cejudo replied, “[Dana White] knows the number. I really do want to walk away, but money talks. The UFC takes care of me, but I’m ready to start that new chapter in my life. When I walked away from wrestling, I completely walked away and never looked back. I appreciate everything [UFC] has done. I would never want to bad talk them because they took care of me financially.”

Cejudo also said that he’s open to a potential appearance in WWE.