Henry Cejudo is one of the most decorated combat athletes in history, achieving Olympic gold and double UFC championship status. From a tough upbringing to global stardom, here’s a detailed look at his journey, personal life, career, finances, and more.
Henry Cejudo’s Biography
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Henry Carlos Cejudo |
| Nickname | The Messenger, Triple C |
| Date of Birth | February 9, 1987 |
| Age | 38 years |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| College | Grand Canyon University |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5′ 4″ (1.63 m) |
| Turned Pro (MMA) | 2013 |
| Net Worth (2025) | $2 million |
| Estimated Salary | $450,000 annually |
| Spouse | Ana Karolina |
| Relationship | Married |
| Children | Two (daughter America, son Enzo) |
| @henry_cejudo |
Early Career
Henry Cejudo was born to Mexican immigrants and raised in a challenging environment, moving frequently due to his father’s substance abuse and violence. Inspired by his older brother, he became a standout wrestler in high school, winning multiple state titles. He skipped college wrestling, instead joining the U.S. Olympic Training Center. At just 21, he won gold in freestyle wrestling at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, becoming the youngest American to do so. After retiring from wrestling, Cejudo shifted to MMA in 2013, making an immediate impact with a string of first-round finishes.
Professional Career
Cejudo’s MMA career began in regional promotions, quickly amassing a 6-0 record before signing with the UFC in 2014. He debuted with a win over Dustin Kimura, then racked up victories to earn a title shot against Demetrious Johnson, losing in 2016. After a brief setback, he rebounded, defeating Johnson in a 2018 rematch to claim the UFC flyweight title and ending Johnson’s historic reign. Cejudo defended the belt against TJ Dillashaw, then moved up to bantamweight, capturing that title from Marlon Moraes in 2019. He became only the fourth UFC fighter to hold titles in two divisions simultaneously. After defending the bantamweight belt against Dominick Cruz in 2020, Cejudo retired briefly but returned in 2023, facing top contenders but suffering close decision losses.
Wife
Henry Cejudo is married to Ana Karolina since September 2021. The couple has two children: a daughter named America and a son named Enzo.
Henry Cejudo’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Henry Cejudo’s net worth is estimated at $2 million. His earnings come primarily from UFC fight purses, performance bonuses, and endorsement deals. Despite earning over $3 million in career payouts, taxes, team expenses, and other costs have reduced his net worth. His annual earnings from fights and sponsorships are around $450,000.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Event | Date | Result | Total Earnings |
| Dustin Kimura | UFC on Fox: dos Santos vs Miocic | Dec 13, 2014 | Win | $50,000 |
| Chris Cariaso | UFC 185 | Mar 14, 2015 | Win | $54,000 |
| Chico Camus | UFC 188 | Jun 13, 2015 | Win | $58,000 |
| Jussier Formiga | TUF Latin America 2 Finale | Nov 21, 2015 | Win | $44,500 |
| Demetrious Johnson | UFC 197 | Apr 23, 2016 | Loss | $90,000 |
| Joseph Benavidez | TUF 24 Finale | Dec 3, 2016 | Loss | $55,000 |
| Wilson Reis | UFC 215 | Sep 9, 2017 | Win | $135,000 |
| Sergio Pettis | UFC 218 | Dec 2, 2017 | Win | $115,000 |
| Demetrious Johnson | UFC 227 | Aug 4, 2018 | Win | $280,000 |
| TJ Dillashaw | UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs Dillashaw | Jan 19, 2019 | Win | $440,000 |
| Marlon Moraes | UFC 238 | Jun 8, 2019 | Win | $440,000 |
| Dominick Cruz | UFC 249 | May 9, 2020 | Win | $1,240,000 |
| Aljamain Sterling | UFC 288 | May 6, 2023 | Loss | $832,000 |
| Merab Dvalishvili | UFC 298 | Feb 17, 2024 | Loss | $150,000 |
Endorsements
- Hit N Move
- JiMMYBAR!
- RUDIS
- Reebok
- MetroPCS
- Body Armor
- Onnit
- F3 Energy
- Topps
- Lifted Trucks
- VIIA
Career Records
| Opponent | Result | Method | Event | Date |
| Demetrious Johnson | Loss/Win | TKO/Decision | UFC 197/UFC 227 | 2016/2018 |
| Joseph Benavidez | Loss | Decision (split) | TUF 24 Finale | Dec 3, 2016 |
| TJ Dillashaw | Win | TKO (punches) | UFC Fight Night | Jan 19, 2019 |
| Marlon Moraes | Win | TKO (punches) | UFC 238 | Jun 8, 2019 |
| Dominick Cruz | Win | TKO (knee and punches) | UFC 249 | May 9, 2020 |
| Aljamain Sterling | Loss | Decision | UFC 288 | May 6, 2023 |
| Merab Dvalishvili | Loss | Decision | UFC 298 | Feb 17, 2024 |
| Sergio Pettis | Win | Decision | UFC 218 | Dec 2, 2017 |
| Wilson Reis | Win | TKO (punches) | UFC 215 | Sep 9, 2017 |
FAQs
1. Who is Henry Cejudo?
Henry Cejudo is an American professional mixed martial artist and former freestyle wrestler. He is a former UFC Flyweight and Bantamweight Champion and an Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, making him one of the most accomplished combat athletes in history.
2. What are Henry Cejudo’s major achievements in combat sports?
Cejudo won an Olympic gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and became the youngest American to do so. In MMA, he held UFC titles in two weight divisions—Flyweight and Bantamweight—simultaneously, a rare feat in the sport.
3. Where was Henry Cejudo born and what is his background?
He was born in Los Angeles, California, to Mexican immigrant parents. Cejudo grew up in a large family, often facing poverty and instability due to his father’s substance abuse and legal troubles.
4. Did Henry Cejudo retire from MMA, and has he returned?
Cejudo announced his retirement after defending his UFC Bantamweight title in May 2020. He later returned to MMA in April 2022 and continues to compete in the UFC.
5. What is Henry Cejudo’s wrestling background?
Cejudo was a standout high school wrestler, winning multiple state championships in Arizona and Colorado. He trained at the US Olympic Training Center and won gold at the 2008 Olympics, as well as other international and national wrestling titles.
6. What is unique about Henry Cejudo’s UFC career?
He is the fourth UFC fighter to hold championships in two weight classes at the same time and the first Olympic gold medalist to win a UFC title. He defended both titles, further cementing his legacy.
7. What weight classes has Henry Cejudo competed in?
Cejudo has competed in the UFC Flyweight (125 lbs) and Bantamweight (135 lbs) divisions. In wrestling, he competed at 55 kilograms.
8. What is Henry Cejudo’s fighting style and physical profile?
He is known for his wrestling-based fighting style. Cejudo stands 5’4″ tall and competes at 135 lbs with a 64-inch reach.
9. What is Henry Cejudo’s family and early life like?
He is the second youngest of seven siblings. After his mother fled an abusive relationship, the family moved frequently and lived in poverty, with Cejudo often sharing beds with siblings until his wrestling career provided new opportunities.
10. Has Henry Cejudo received any honors outside of competition?
He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member in 2018, recognizing his significant contributions and achievements in wrestling.