Henry Cejudo has pulled out of his scheduled bout against Merab Dvalishvili. The post does not provide details about the reason for the withdrawal or which event the fight was scheduled for. No information is given about a potential replacement opponent or rescheduling. This represents a significant development as both fighters are ranked contenders in the bantamweight division. The circumstances and timing of the withdrawal remain unclear from this brief announcement.
Henry Cejudo has withdrawn from his planned bantamweight bout against Merab Dvalishvili, according to an announcement on April 18, 2026. No reason for the pullout has been given, and there is currently no word on a replacement opponent or a rescheduled date.
Cejudo, 39, carries a 16-6 record and is ranked ninth in the bantamweight division. The American wrestler and former two-division champion fights out of Fight Ready and brings a well-rounded game to the cage, averaging 3.82 significant strikes per minute at 47 percent accuracy while also threatening with 1.84 takedowns per 15 minutes. At five-foot-four with a 64-inch reach, he is compact even by bantamweight standards.
Dvalishvili, meanwhile, sits at the very top of the division. The Georgian standout, who trains with the Serra-Longo Fight Team, holds a 21-5 record and is ranked first at bantamweight as well as second in the pound-for-pound rankings at 35 years old. Known as "The Machine," he makes his name through relentless pressure and an elite wrestling attack, averaging a staggering 6.4 takedowns per 15 minutes to go along with 4.33 significant strikes per minute.
Why it matters
- Dvalishvili is the top-ranked bantamweight contender, so any disruption to his fight calendar has direct title-picture consequences.
- Cejudo's withdrawal leaves one of the division's most high-profile matchups without a confirmed path forward.
- No replacement or rescheduling has been announced, creating uncertainty around both fighters' near-term timelines.
