Henry Cejudo is an American mixed martial artist and former Olympic wrestler with an estimated net worth of $2 million.
Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished combat sports athletes of his generation, Cejudo achieved elite success in both wrestling and mixed martial arts.
He made history by becoming the youngest American to win Olympic gold in wrestling and later joined an exclusive group of UFC fighters to hold two championship titles simultaneously.
Though his fighting career included a brief retirement and a comeback attempt, Cejudo’s legacy remains firmly intact.
Quick Facts About Henry Cejudo
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Full Name: Henry Carlos Cejudo
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Date of Birth: February 9, 1987
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Age: 37 (as of 2024)
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Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA
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Nationality: American
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Profession: Mixed Martial Artist, Former Olympic Wrestler
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Estimated Net Worth: $2 million
Early Life And Background
Henry Cejudo was born in Los Angeles, California, to Mexican immigrant parents and grew up in extreme poverty. His childhood was marked by instability, and his father, Jorge Cejudo, was absent for most of his life after being deported when Henry was six years old. His father later passed away years afterward.
Despite these challenges, Cejudo found structure and purpose through wrestling. Inspired by his older brother’s success on the mat, Henry dedicated himself fully to the sport, using discipline and competition as a way to rise above his circumstances.
Dominance In Amateur Wrestling
Before stepping into the MMA spotlight, Henry Cejudo built a legendary amateur wrestling résumé.
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Won four consecutive state championships in high school
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Finished high school with an astonishing 150–0 record
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Became the youngest American wrestler to win Olympic gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, at just 21 years old
His Olympic victory instantly cemented him as one of the greatest wrestlers in U.S. history.
Transition To Mixed Martial Arts
In 2013, Cejudo announced his move into mixed martial arts, generating massive interest due to his elite wrestling pedigree. Just two months after beginning MMA training, he made his professional debut at bantamweight, winning convincingly.
After compiling a 6–0 record, Cejudo caught the attention of UFC president Dana White and was quickly signed to the promotion as one of the most highly anticipated prospects in the sport.
UFC Career And Championship Success
Henry Cejudo made his UFC debut in December 2014, earning a unanimous decision victory.
After several wins, he received his first title opportunity against Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson in 2016, but suffered a first-round loss an important learning moment in his career. He earned approximately $90,000 for that bout.
Cejudo rebounded strongly, refining his skills and mindset. In 2018, he earned a rematch against Johnson and won via split decision, becoming the UFC Flyweight Champion and the first Olympic gold medalist to win a UFC title. His earnings from that fight totaled around $280,000.
Becoming A Double Champion
Cejudo’s momentum continued when he moved up in weight to compete for the vacant UFC Bantamweight Championship.
He defeated Marlon Moraes, earning approximately $440,000 and becoming just the fourth fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two divisions at the same time.
This achievement placed him alongside legends such as Conor McGregor and Daniel Cormier.
Retirement And Comeback Attempt
After defeating Dominick Cruz in May 2020 to defend his bantamweight title, Cejudo shocked fans by announcing his retirement from professional fighting. At the time, he relinquished the flyweight belt and stepped away as a reigning champion.
He later returned to competition in 2023, aiming to reclaim the bantamweight title, but was unsuccessful. Despite the setback, his accomplishments had already secured his place in MMA history.
Henry Cejudo’s MMA Earnings
Over the course of his MMA career, Henry Cejudo earned over $3 million from:
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Fight purses
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Performance bonuses
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Sponsorships
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Pay-per-view points
His highest-earning fight came against Dominick Cruz, where he reportedly made approximately $1.2 million.
After taxes, management fees, and expenses, his net worth currently stands at around $2 million.
Life Beyond Fighting
Outside the octagon, Cejudo has remained active as a:
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Wrestling and MMA coach
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Public speaker
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Combat sports analyst
He continues to mentor younger fighters while expanding his brand within the combat sports community.
Henry Cejudo’s Legacy
Henry Cejudo is widely celebrated for:
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Olympic excellence
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UFC double-champion status
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Overcoming poverty and adversity
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Bridging wrestling and MMA at the highest level
His journey reflects discipline, adaptability, and elite competitiveness across multiple sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Henry Cejudo win an Olympic gold medal?
Yes, he won gold in freestyle wrestling at the 2008 Beijing Olympics at age 21.
How many UFC titles did Henry Cejudo win?
He won two UFC championships—Flyweight and Bantamweight.
Is Henry Cejudo retired from MMA?
He retired in 2020 but returned in 2023. His competitive future remains uncertain.
What was Henry Cejudo’s highest-paid fight?
His fight against Dominick Cruz earned him approximately $1.2 million.