Dillashaw Defeats Cejudo In UFC Seattle; Cejudo's Losing Streak Continues

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Post on Feb 24, 2025

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Dillashaw Dominates Cejudo in Seattle, Extending Former Champion's Losing Streak

SEATTLE, WA – Henry Cejudo's highly anticipated return to the octagon ended in disappointment Saturday night at UFC 288 in Seattle. Former two-division champion Henry Cejudo suffered a unanimous decision loss to former bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw, extending his losing streak to two fights and raising serious questions about his future in the sport. The judges scored the fight 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46, all in favor of Dillashaw.

The fight, a highly anticipated clash between two of the sport's most skilled and decorated fighters, lived up to the hype, delivering a back-and-forth battle that showcased both men's exceptional technical abilities. While Cejudo displayed flashes of his trademark speed and wrestling prowess, Dillashaw's superior striking and calculated aggression proved decisive throughout the five-round contest. Dillashaw repeatedly landed clean combinations, utilizing a precise and powerful jab to control the distance and disrupt Cejudo's rhythm.

Cejudo, known for his exceptional takedown defense and wrestling, struggled to implement his game plan effectively against Dillashaw's relentless pressure. Though he secured some takedowns, Dillashaw demonstrated impressive takedown defense and quickly returned to his feet, consistently finding opportunities to land significant strikes. The fight was closely contested in the earlier rounds, but Dillashaw began to pull away in the later rounds, showcasing his improved cardio and stamina, leaving Cejudo visibly tiring in the championship rounds.

The loss marks a significant setback for Cejudo, who had previously held both the flyweight and bantamweight titles simultaneously before retiring in 2020. His return to the UFC in May 2023, against Aljamain Sterling, ended in a closely contested split-decision loss, raising questions about his ability to compete at the highest level after a lengthy absence from the sport. This second consecutive loss fuels speculation about the 36-year-old Cejudo's future plans, with many questioning whether he will pursue another comeback attempt or finally hang up his gloves for good.

Dillashaw, meanwhile, emphatically rebounded from his own previous loss to Aljamain Sterling and firmly re-established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the bantamweight division. The victory not only avenged his prior loss but also showcased his improved striking and overall fighting skills, potentially setting him up for another title shot. His performance Saturday night demonstrated his unwavering dedication to refining his craft, highlighting his resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Post-fight, Dillashaw expressed his satisfaction with the win, emphasizing his hard work and preparation leading up to the bout. He called for another title opportunity, aiming to reclaim the bantamweight title once again. Cejudo, though visibly disappointed, conceded defeat with grace, acknowledging Dillashaw's superior performance and offering his respect. The future for both fighters remains uncertain, but their clash in Seattle provided an exciting and memorable fight for UFC fans worldwide, solidifying their places as two of the most skilled and compelling competitors in the sport’s history. The event itself drew a significant crowd and generated considerable media buzz, adding to the overall success of UFC 288.