Henry Cejudo Calls for Urgent Regulatory Overhaul on Eye Pokes, Citing Fighter Safety and Inconsistent Enforcement Ahead of UFC 323.

Las Vegas, NV – Henry Cejudo, the former two-division UFC champion and Olympic gold medalist, has issued a forceful condemnation of the UFC’s current approach to eye pokes, demanding immediate and consistent action from the promotion, regulatory bodies, and referees. Speaking during a media scrum on Tuesday, Cejudo articulated a profound frustration with the perceived lack of accountability, just days before he is set to compete at UFC 323 against Payton Talbott in what he has indicated could be his final competitive outing.

Cejudo, known throughout his career for his meticulous preparation and outspoken nature, emphasized the serious, potentially career-altering, and life-changing consequences of unregulated eye pokes. His strong words underscore a growing concern within the mixed martial arts community regarding fighter welfare and the integrity of competition.

"I think everybody needs to man up," Cejudo stated unequivocally. "Dana White, the Nevada State Athletic Commission, the referees, and just make a fcking decision, man. That’s bullshit. If we’re being warned in the back, alright, I’m going to start taking my warning, I’m going to start sticking you in the eye, too. I get a warning. Everybody just needs to fcking man up and step up, and make this thing official."

Cejudo’s Return and UFC 323 Bout

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Cejudo (16-3 MMA) is scheduled to face rising bantamweight prospect Payton Talbott (8-2 MMA) at UFC 323 on Saturday, marking his third appearance since returning from a nearly three-year retirement. Cejudo initially retired in May 2020 after successfully defending his bantamweight title against Dominick Cruz, achieving "Champ-Champ" status by holding both the flyweight and bantamweight belts simultaneously, a feat that earned him the moniker "Triple C" due to his Olympic wrestling gold medal.

His return to the octagon in May 2023 saw him challenge Aljamain Sterling for the bantamweight title, losing a closely contested split decision at UFC 288. He then faced Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 298 in February 2024, suffering a unanimous decision loss. While Cejudo’s recent competitive bouts have been decision losses, his impassioned plea regarding eye pokes stems from a broader observation of the sport and his own experiences within it. He alluded to instances where he felt eye pokes significantly impacted his bouts, stating, "It sucks, one, that it happened to me." This personal connection amplifies his call for reform.

His opponent at UFC 323, Payton Talbott, represents a new generation of fighters. Talbott, 25, is a product of Dana White’s Contender Series and holds a professional record of 8 wins and 2 losses. Known for his aggressive striking style and finishing ability, Talbott presents a significant challenge for Cejudo, who is now 37 and aiming to re-establish his dominance in the division. This high-stakes bout provides a platform for Cejudo to not only compete but also to leverage his voice on critical issues affecting fighter safety.

The Pervasive Issue of Eye Pokes in MMA

Cejudo’s outburst is not an isolated incident but rather echoes a growing chorus of concern within the MMA landscape regarding the frequency and often inconsistent enforcement of rules pertaining to eye pokes. The open-fingered design of MMA gloves, while intended to allow for grappling, inadvertently facilitates accidental (and sometimes perceived as intentional) eye contact.

The Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, adopted by most commissions worldwide, clearly list "eye gouging of any kind" as a foul. Penalties for fouls can range from a verbal warning to a point deduction, or even disqualification in cases of intentional and repeated infractions. However, the application of these rules often relies heavily on referee discretion, leading to perceived inconsistencies. An accidental eye poke that renders a fighter unable to continue within five minutes typically results in a no-contest or a technical decision, depending on the round and the judges’ scorecards up to that point. If deemed intentional, a disqualification is the usual outcome. The challenge lies in objectively determining intent and the severity of the foul in the heat of battle.

High-Profile Incidents and Lasting Damage

Cejudo specifically referenced a notable incident from October’s UFC 321 pay-per-view, where the main event saw Tom Aspinall defend his interim heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane. In the early stages of the fight, Gane delivered an eye poke to Aspinall, which forced a stoppage. Aspinall, who was performing well at the time, was unable to continue, and the fight was declared a No Contest. Reports indicate that Aspinall has been dealing with lingering vision issues and discomfort from the incident, highlighting the immediate and potentially long-term physical repercussions.

Beyond immediate fight outcomes, Cejudo drew attention to the severe, life-altering injuries that can result from eye pokes. "Dude, somebody could lose an eye," Cejudo explained, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He invoked the harrowing example of former UFC Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping, whose career was profoundly affected by an eye injury sustained during his fight with Vitor Belfort in 2013. Bisping suffered a detached retina, leading to significant vision loss in one eye and ultimately requiring a prosthetic eye after his retirement. His story serves as a stark reminder of the permanent damage that can occur. Cejudo also mentioned Bethe Correia, another former UFC fighter who has publicly discussed her own struggles with eye issues, further validating the widespread nature of the problem.

"These dudes are deformed for life, dude. That sucks," Cejudo lamented. "It sucks, one, that it happened to me, and two, Bethe Correia, there’s a lot of people that have eye issues that you guys don’t even know about." His comments underscore the unseen battles fighters endure long after the final bell.

Call for Accountability and Future Solutions

Cejudo’s call for action is directed at multiple stakeholders:

Dana White and the UFC: As the sport’s leading promotion, the UFC wields significant influence over rule interpretation and enforcement. Cejudo suggests they need to take a more proactive stance in shaping policies.
Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC): As a prominent regulatory body, the NSAC plays a crucial role in overseeing fight conduct, licensing referees, and implementing the Unified Rules. Consistency in their application across different events and referees is paramount.
Referees: Cejudo’s frustration extends to the officials within the octagon, arguing for stricter enforcement from the first infraction, moving beyond mere warnings to immediate point deductions or even disqualifications when warranted. His threat of retaliatory eye pokes if only warnings are issued highlights the perceived impunity.

The issue of eye pokes has prompted discussions about potential solutions, including modifications to glove design. Some proposals suggest gloves with a more curved or pre-tapered finger position, similar to those once used in promotions like PRIDE FC, to minimize the ability to extend fingers straight out. Others advocate for more stringent training for fighters on how to effectively use open hands for defense without extending fingers towards an opponent’s face.

"So it starts here, and I think it needs to be immediate," Cejudo urged. "And if not, I think people need to be held accountable for that stuff. If I also lose an eye, dude, oof. Can you imagine that? ‘Oh yeah, good job. You’re a warrior.’ Oh, OK. Who’s going to give me my eye back? Like everybody needs to step up. Everybody, including Dana White."

Cejudo’s impassioned statement serves as a potent reminder that while the thrill of combat sports captivates audiences, the long-term health and safety of athletes must remain a paramount concern. As he prepares for what he indicates will be his final competitive challenge, Cejudo is not only fighting an opponent but also advocating for a fundamental shift in how one of MMA’s most egregious fouls is addressed, hoping to leave a legacy not just of championship gold, but of enhanced fighter protection. The coming months will reveal whether his forceful plea translates into concrete policy changes within the sport.