Overview of Daniel Cormier TV — Henry Cejudo on Payton Talbott, FINAL UFC FIGHT before RETIREMENT
Daniel Cormier interviews Henry Cejudo ahead of what Cejudo is calling his final UFC fight (vs. Peyton Talbott at the weekend’s card). The conversation is part reflection on a storied career (Olympic gold, two-division UFC champion), part tactical preview of the matchup, and part personal wrap-up: Cejudo explains why he’s stepping away, how his priorities changed (family, business, content), and how he wants to give back to past champions and coaches.
Key takeaways
- Henry Cejudo is likely retiring after his upcoming bout with Peyton Talbott. He feels satisfied with his accomplishments and ready to focus on family, business, and content.
- Cejudo cites loss of the single-minded drive to become the best, life priorities (kids, lifestyle), and wanting to leave the sport “as unscathed as possible” as major reasons for stepping away.
- He’s financially and professionally prepared post-fighting: active in real estate (mentions owning multiple properties) and content/branding work.
- Cejudo emphasizes gratitude to coaches, training partners, and mentors (notably Kevin Jackson and Terry Brands) and intends to help past legends navigate business and branding so they aren’t taken advantage of.
- Tactical preview: Peyton Talbott is a hungry pressure striker with improving skills but relative wrestling weaknesses. Cejudo plans to mix wrestling and striking and is comfortable fighting a pressure style.
- Cejudo is comfortable with being polarizing — he uses theatrics and trash talk as a tool to get attention and feels it’s part of his legacy.
Topics discussed
Career reflection and emotions
- Cejudo recounts coming into wrestling as a young teen, early struggles (couldn’t afford shoes), and the trajectory to Olympic champion and two-division UFC champ.
- He describes emotional moments preparing for his last fight (gratitude, private reflections, crying), and acknowledges the uniqueness of competitive fire that’s hard to replicate outside competition.
Why he’s retiring
- No longer driven by the “all-or-nothing” single goal of being the best; family life and content/business opportunities changed his priorities.
- Wants to minimize long-term physical damage — specifically mentions not wanting to accumulate injuries (e.g., eye pokes).
- Feels he has achieved closure and conquests he wanted; once he conquers something he can move on.
Business and post-fight plans
- Investing in real estate, building content/branding revenue, and diversifying income streams.
- Has a stated desire to "give back" to former champions/legends by helping them with business and brand knowledge.
Fight preview: Henry Cejudo vs Peyton Talbott
- Talbott is characterized as a young, pressure-oriented striker with striking pedigree but wrestling vulnerabilities.
- Cejudo’s plan: mix wrestling, striking, and kicks; control pressure; use wrestling to neutralize Talbott’s forward momentum.
- Cejudo welcomes fighting hungry opponents in his final bout — he manifested a tough, hungry matchup and expected someone like Talbott.
Relationships with UFC and dynamics of stages (prospect → champ → contender)
- Cejudo reflects on differences between being a prospect, champion, and contender: dislikes being in limbo (top 10) and prefers either fighting for the title or stepping away.
- Mentions the sometimes tricky relationships with the promotion and fighters (teasing the boss/Dana, advising others to manage promotional relationships carefully).
Notable quotes and soundbites
- “Legends always take care of legends.” — Kevin Jackson’s advice that shaped Cejudo’s approach to helping former athletes.
- “It is what it is.” — On accepting setbacks and adversity as part of the process.
- “Whether you hate or love me — you guys paid attention.” — On his role as a polarizing, attention-getting figure.
Career highlights referenced
- Olympic gold medalist in wrestling.
- Two-division UFC champion (flyweight and bantamweight).
- Rematch win over Demetrious Johnson cited as one of his most meaningful performances (overcoming prior KO loss and injury).
What Cejudo wants his legacy to be
- That he made people watch: a polarizing performer who mixed elite athletic accomplishment with showmanship.
- That he’ll give back to the community and help past champions navigate life after sport.
- To be remembered for both his results and his willingness to be unapologetically himself.
Quick listen/viewer takeaways / actions
- Tune in to Henry Cejudo vs. Peyton Talbott this weekend to see what Cejudo calls his final UFC fight.
- Expect Cejudo to use a mix of wrestling and striking to counter Talbott’s pressure style.
- If you follow combat sports and sports business, watch Cejudo’s post-fight moves — he plans to expand content, real estate, and veteran support initiatives.
- For fans: appreciate the full arc — from child prodigy and Olympic champ to two-division UFC champion and showman — and note his focus on family and long-term health.
Tone and audience
- The interview balances candid emotion, career analysis, and fight promotion. It’s aimed at MMA fans who want both fight insight and an inside look at a top athlete’s decision to retire and transition to life after the Octagon.