White: 'It was ridiculous' that Cejudo retired in 2020

Nearly four years later, UFC CEO Dana White disagrees with former two-division champion Henry Cejudo's decision to walk away from mixed martial arts in 2020.

"I think it was ridiculous that Henry Cejudo retired," White told MMA reporter Kevin Iole on Tuesday. "Listen, when you retire, you should stay away and never come back. I mean, this guy retired when he was in his f-----g prime. I mean, he looked good."

Cejudo announced his surprise retirement as the reigning bantamweight champion just minutes after knocking out Dominick Cruz in a May 2020 title defense.

Cejudo, now 37, came back to the sport last year and dropped a split decision to Aljamain Sterling in a bantamweight championship fight at UFC 288. This weekend, "Triple C" will look to remain in the 135-pound title picture in a pivotal matchup against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 298 in Anaheim.

Dvalishvili and Cejudo are ranked No. 2 and No. 3 in the division, respectively, so the winner will be a top choice for the next title shot after Marlon "Chito" Vera challenges bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley at UFC 299 in March.

"This is a big fight for both these guys," White said. "Merab sat out, didn't take a title fight because his friend (Sterling) had the title and all that stuff. I think you're looking at two guys that, in my opinion, have made some mistakes in their careers. And Saturday night is a big deal for both of these guys."