Henry Cejudo has pulled out of his scheduled bout against Merab Dvalishvili. The post provides no details about the reason for the withdrawal or when the fight was scheduled to take place. No information about a potential replacement or rescheduling was included. This withdrawal leaves Dvalishvili without an opponent. Further details about the circumstances are expected to be announced.
Henry Cejudo has withdrawn from his scheduled bantamweight bout against Merab Dvalishvili, leaving the top-ranked contender without an opponent as of April 18, 2026. No reason for the pullout has been disclosed, and there is no word yet on a replacement or whether the fight will be rescheduled.
Cejudo, known as "Triple C," holds a 16-6 record and is currently ranked ninth in the bantamweight division. The 39-year-old American trains out of Fight Ready and brings a well-rounded offensive game, averaging 3.82 significant strikes per minute with a 47 percent striking accuracy, while also threatening with nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes.
Dvalishvili, nicknamed "The Machine," enters this period of uncertainty as the number-one ranked bantamweight and the number-two pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC. The 35-year-old Georgian carries a 21-5 record and trains with the Serra-Longo Fight Team. His relentless pressure and elite grappling define his style — he averages a remarkable 6.4 takedowns per 15 minutes, among the highest marks in the division, while also outputting 4.33 significant strikes per minute.
Why it matters
- Dvalishvili, ranked first at bantamweight and second pound-for-pound, is left without an opponent at a critical point in his title pursuit.
- Cejudo's withdrawal at ninth in the rankings removes a recognizable name from what would have been a high-profile matchup.
- The UFC will need to find a suitable replacement quickly to keep Dvalishvili active and his momentum toward a title shot intact.
- No timeline or official statement on rescheduling has been provided, leaving the situation unresolved.
