As UFC 323 approaches this Saturday in Las Vegas, Henry Cejudo is making it clear that he is not holding back in his final fight. The former double champion, who will face contender Payton Talbott in his farewell bout, delivered a passionate warning to Dana White and the athletic commissions regarding repeated eye poke issues in the sport.
Cejudo Calls for Immediate Action on Eye Safety
In an appearance with Full Send MMA, Cejudo spoke directly about the problem that has affected fighters, including himself in his February bout against Song Yadong, which ended in a technical decision after a severe eye poke.
“I think everybody needs to man up,” Cejudo said. “Dana White, the Nevada State Athletic Commission, the referees and just make a f-king decision, man. If you guys can’t do it, like, dude, that’s bulls—. If we’re being warned in the back then alright dude, I’m gonna start taking my warning and I’m gonna start sticking my finger in their eye too.”
Cejudo continued, emphasizing the urgency and potential consequences of inaction.
“I get a warning, like, that’s not fair, everybody needs to f-king man up and step up and create this, make this official. Someone could lose an eye. It needs to be immediate and if not man, people need to be held accountable for that stuff. If I was to lose an eye, dude, f—. Imagine that, like ‘Oh yeah, dude’s a warrior’, oh okay, well who’s going to give my eye back. Everybody needs to step up, including Dana White.”
The retired bantamweight and flyweight king, also known as ‘Triple C,’ has been outspoken about fighter safety throughout his career, particularly after experiencing firsthand the consequences of eye pokes in high-stakes fights.
Henry Cejudo went off on Dana White, the Nevada State Athletic Commission and the referees for the current eye poke problem
“Man up and make a f*****g decision. If you’re not gonna do it that’s bulls**t. I’m gonna take my warning and start sticking guys in the eye too then” pic.twitter.com/7RZs6uIxYq
— FULL SEND MMA (@full_send_mma) December 3, 2025
Cejudo is not alone in frustration. UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall suffered a fight-ending eye poke at UFC 322, highlighting the recurring problem. Despite the incidents, the promotion has yet to implement stronger measures to protect fighters, a situation that continues to draw criticism from top athletes.
With UFC 323 set to be the final card under the UFC’s partnership with ESPN, Cejudo’s retirement bout promises to be memorable—not just for his performance, but also for the fiery call to action directed at Dana White and the broader MMA community.
