Despite facing hardship and discrimination growing up to an undocumented mother 28 years ago, Henry Cejudo’s dedication and determination led him to excel in school and sports. His early immersion in the wrestling world soon translated to a world title, making his country proud on the biggest stage. At age 21, he became the youngest wrestler to ever win an Olympic gold for the US.
On Saturday, Cejudo faces the fiercest fight of his life – his biggest battle since that fateful Olympic final at Beijing 2008: UFC 197’s Demetrious Johnson vs. Cejudo flyweight title fight.
The Mexican-American will take center stage. His opponent boasts a record of 23-2-1 and currently holds an undefeated streak that dates back to 2011.
A Cejudo win pays 3 to 1, but he’ll like his chances despite the odds. After all, what’s a fight like this for an athlete who’s endured much greater adversity over his lifetime? From growing up in extreme poverty to claiming Olympic gold despite naysayers, Cejudo is as tough as they come.
Cejudo’s MMA career began in 2013. It’s been a slow and steady rise to stardom, but he’s here to stay. With a record of 10 wins and 0 losses, he is currently ranked no. 2 in the official UFC flyweight rankings. A win over Johnson will leave UFC owner (and Donald Trump supporter) Dana White with no other option than to give him the big fights, money, and promotional deals he deserves.
Update, 4/26/2016, 11:07 a.m.: A previous version of this post erroneously stated that Cain Velasquez would be competing on the same undercard as Henry Cejudo. Velasquez’s next fight will take place on July 9, 2016.