Henry Cejudo, the UFC flyweight champion, successfully defended his title for the first time in Brooklyn, New York, against bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw. His victory over Demetrious Johnson in August has garnered significant attention among UFC fans worldwide.
Ten years ago, Cejudo had another exhilarating victory when he clinched a gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Just before his pivotal fight with Dillashaw, Cejudo opened up to ESPN’s Phil Murphy about the journey that led him to this moment.
Reflecting on winning the Olympic gold medal, Cejudo emphasized the importance of standing out in one’s endeavors. He articulated, “The belief system and mindset I possess have been crucial in my success. It’s about the determination to confront challenges head-on and overcome them.”
“I didn’t complete the NCAA season at Grand Canyon University. Instead, two years after high school, I pursued the Olympics. I was already thinking beyond conventional boundaries. At 17, I left my home to pursue my dream. I left behind comfort, familiarity, and support. It was just me and my dream,” he added.
Recalling the challenge of winning four matches in a single day, Cejudo admitted to being behind in all three matches leading up to the final. However, upon reaching the gold medal match, he reminded himself that this was the moment he had aspired to. He recounted, “I was filled with fear initially. But as I entered the arena, the nerves dissipated. I reassured myself, ‘You’ve faced this challenge before. It’s time to seize the opportunity and claim your reward.’”
