Cejudo Returns to Victory Column with Grappling Win in Kazakhstan
Former UFC champion Henry Cejudo has re-entered the win column, though not in the fashion his fans are accustomed to. The decorated athlete secured a decision victory over Kairat Akhmetov in a grappling-only contest held May 27th in Astana, Kazakhstan, marking his first triumph since 2020.
A Clash of Champions: Cejudo vs. Akhmetov
The bout pitted cejudo, a former two-division UFC titleholder and Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, against akhmetov, a highly respected former ONE Championship flyweight champion. Unlike the striking and comprehensive skillset demanded in conventional mixed martial arts, this contest focused solely on grappling prowess within a five-minute timeframe.
The initial stages of the match saw both competitors engaging in a tight collar tie, testing each other’s strength and positioning. Akhmetov attempted to capitalize on an early opportunity with a front lock choke, but Cejudo, leveraging his elite wrestling background, efficiently defended the submission attempt. A well-executed inside trip from Cejudo ultimately brought Akhmetov to the mat, allowing the American to establish side control. Though, Akhmetov’s experience proved valuable as he swiftly returned to a standing position, negating Cejudo’s ground advantage.
A Close Contest Decided by Judges
The final minute witnessed Cejudo securing another takedown, but Akhmetov demonstrated resilience, escaping the hold and regaining top position before the clock expired.Ultimately, the judges awarded the victory to Cejudo, acknowledging his control and offensive efforts throughout the contest.
“I have a great deal of respect for kairat,” Cejudo stated following the match. “He was originally slated to face Demetrious Johnson, and he’s a proven world champion. It’s a privilege to share the mat with a competitor of his caliber.”
Recent Journeys and Future Prospects
Cejudo’s recent MMA career has been marked by a series of setbacks, with three consecutive losses under the UFC banner against Aljamain Sterling, Merab Dvalishvili, and Song Yadong. His last MMA win came in may 2020, a knockout victory over Dominick Cruz. An eye injury sustained during his fight with Yadong cast doubt on his future in the sport, leading to speculation about a potential final return. Currently, Cejudo holds a professional MMA record of 16-5.Akhmetov, boasting an impressive 30-2 MMA record, has established himself as a dominant force in ONE Championship, with notable wins over Adriano Moraes and Geje Eustaquio. His last appearance for the Asian promotion was in May 2023, a decision win over Reece McLaren, extending his winning streak to six fights since 2018.As of early 2024, ONE Championship boasts a rapidly growing global fanbase, with events regularly attracting viewership in the millions.This grappling match provides Akhmetov with a platform to showcase his skills to a broader audience.