Former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo has withdrawn from his scheduled bout against bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili. The post does not provide details about the reason for the withdrawal or the original event date. No information is given about a potential replacement opponent or when the fight might be rescheduled. This represents a significant development in the bantamweight division.
Henry Cejudo has pulled out of his scheduled bantamweight title fight against champion Merab Dvalishvili, dealing a significant blow to one of the division's most anticipated matchups. No reason for the withdrawal has been disclosed, and there is currently no word on a replacement opponent or a new date for the contest.
Cejudo, 39, holds a professional record of 16 wins and 6 losses and is currently ranked ninth in the bantamweight division. The American wrestler, known as "Triple C," built his legacy as a former two-division UFC champion and trains out of Fight Ready. Standing five-foot-four with a 64-inch reach, he lands 3.82 significant strikes per minute at 47 percent accuracy and averages 1.84 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Dvalishvili, nicknamed "The Machine," enters the situation as the reigning bantamweight champion with a record of 21-5. The 35-year-old Georgian is also ranked second pound-for-pound, underscoring just how dominant he has been. Training out of the Serra-Longo Fight Team, he stands five-foot-six with a 68-inch reach and operates at a relentless pace, landing 4.33 significant strikes per minute. His wrestling is the defining feature of his game — he averages a remarkable 6.4 takedown attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Dvalishvili's title defense is now in limbo, with no replacement challenger named
- Cejudo, ranked ninth, was already a significant step up in divisional standing for his return
- The bantamweight title picture loses clarity with one of its marquee bouts suddenly off the table
- Both fighters' immediate futures are uncertain until the UFC announces next steps
