UFC Legend Cejudo Sets September Showdown: Former Champ to Box Influencer

Henry Cejudo, recognized as one of the most decorated combat sports athletes of all time, is set to embark on a new chapter in his illustrious career with his professional boxing debut. This highly anticipated event is scheduled for next month, on September 26, at the James L. Knight Arena in Miami. Cejudo, 39, will face influencer boxer Nurideen Shabazz, widely known as Deen The Great. The bout will be promoted by Misfits Boxing and will be available for viewing on DAZN in the U.S.

Cejudo's athletic background is exceptionally distinguished, featuring a rare combination of achievements across multiple combat disciplines. He is a former U.S. Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, a testament to his elite grappling skills. Following his Olympic success, Cejudo transitioned to mixed martial arts (MMA), where he further cemented his legacy by becoming a two-weight UFC champion. He retired from MMA in December, although his competitive spirit has kept him active, as he has competed in wrestling twice in 2026 and is slated to face Merab Dvalishvili at RAF 12 on an upcoming Saturday. While he possesses no professional boxing record, Cejudo does have prior experience competing as an amateur boxer.

His opponent, Deen The Great, comes from the burgeoning world of influencer boxing. Nurideen Shabazz initially garnered public attention and notoriety through viral street fight content before transitioning into organized boxing matches, leveraging his digital presence to build a significant following within this unique segment of combat sports.

The dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of combat sports, exemplified by events like Cejudo's transition to professional boxing, is meticulously covered by experienced journalists. Among these is Brett Okamoto, who has reported on mixed martial arts and boxing for ESPN since 2010. Over his tenure, Okamoto has provided extensive coverage of the biggest events in combat sports, conducting in-depth interviews and producing features with iconic figures such as Dana White, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, and Georges St-Pierre. His contributions also extend to production, having served as a producer on the acclaimed 30 for 30 film "Chuck and Tito," which explored the careers and intense rivalry between Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz. Based in Las Vegas, Okamoto remains a key voice in combat sports journalism, offering insights and reporting on the significant developments and personalities shaping the sport.