When did Henry Cejudo retire? Breaking down 'Triple C's' return vs Aljamain Sterling at UFC 288

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One of the most accomplished athletes in MMA history, Henry Cejudo was the UFC's top fighter from 2018-2020. Then, just like that, he vanished without a trace. "Triple C" left his role as champion of the bantamweight and flyweight divisions to focus on his family and himself.

However, the word "retire" has never really stuck in combat sports. Now, three years away from MMA, Cejudo is one of those fighters ready to return to the top of the mountain. It appears Cejudo's coming back for one last ride.

Cejudo challenges Aljamain Sterling for the UFC bantamweight title at UFC 288 on May 6. Successfully defending the title twice, Sterling will fight Cejudo inside New Jersey's Prudential Center.  

Why did the 36-year-old retire in the first place, and what brought him back to the octagon? Here's a full breakdown of Cejudo's recent decisions.

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When did Henry Cejudo retire?

Beating Demetrious Johnson in 2018 for the UFC flyweight title, Cejudo was ready to put his name in the history books. He was supposed to face T.J. Dillashaw for the UFC bantamweight title after defending the flyweight title against him, but it was off following multiple failed drug tests from the latter. Cejudo faced Marlon Moraes in 2019 for the vacant bantamweight title, beating him via TKO to become a double champion.

In his last bout on May 9, 2020, Cejudo beat the legendary Dominick Cruz via TKO, retiring after. He appeared at peace with his decision, especially considering what he already accomplished at a young age.

"Since I was 11 years old, I probably have 600 competitions of wrestling matches in my life," Cejudo stated via MMA Junkie. "That's all I've ever done. I don't have kids. I've finally got a girl now, and I want to step into that new chapter of my life.

"I've been extremely selfish and rightfully so to obtain what I've obtained — can I say it again? Olympic champ, [UFC] flyweight champ, [UFC] bantamweight champ, and I defended both world titles. And man, I want to leave on top. I did it in wrestling, and I want to do it now in the sport of mixed martial arts. I just don't see myself coming back, and I want to remain king forever."

MORE: Dana White responds to video showing physical altercation with wife

Cejudo recently had a daughter with his now-wife, Ana Karolina.

Why did Henry Cejudo come out of retirement?

Although Cejudo remained retired for about three years, he kept himself busy. He trained fighters and was always around for big fight nights. Cejudo also used his social media and big mouth to call out UFC fighters.

Over the past few years, "The Messenger" has called out the likes of Alexander Volkanovski, Sterling, and others. His manager even told ESPN at one point that he never stopped training. After teasing a return, he finally pulled the trigger and re-entered the USADA testing pool.

The Olympic champion stated on his YouTube channel that his retirement was genuine. He claimed he wanted to see the bantamweight division move on so he could focus on being a dad, seeing how he accomplished all he needed to.

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Sometimes, you can't ignore an itch. That is what Cejudo had during his time away, and he has decided to scratch it for another shot at holding the bantamweight title. Cejudo's also looking to make his presence felt across multiple divisions.

"Guys, it's plain and simple. People, at times, they need that time to rekindle the love of competition. To me, it wasn't necessarily the sport, but just having the drive, having that chip," Cejudo said on YouTube via MMA Weekly. "It's more of me rekindling my love for the game, for the love of the competition, and then doing it. I'm not just done with Aljamain. My overall goal, and I'll say it again, is to go up to 145 pounds and do something that nobody has ever done."

It's unknown how long Cejudo has in his second go-around in the sport. If he beats Sterling, he joins Georges St-Pierre and Randy Couture as UFC fighters who returned from retirement and won gold right after.

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Daniel Yanofsky is a combat sports editor at The Sporting News.