Henry Cejudo wins MMA debut

Former gold-medalist Olympic wrestler Henry Cejudo scored two firsts this week – winning his first mixed martial arts fight in Tucson on March 2, and signing with California-based promotion organization Gladiator Challenge for more fights in 2013.

Cejudo, a former west Phoenix resident, bested his opponent Michael Poe in a bantamweight cage bout at Tucson’s Casino del Sol. At the opening bell, Cejudo rushed full-speed at Poe, who ducked and caught Cejudo with a glancing left hook.

Poe followed up with a spinning back kick that gazed Cejudo’s midsection. Cejudo then took his opponent to the ground with a powerful takedown. Cejudo landed a succession of right hands. Moments later, the referee called a halt to the contest, giving Cejudo the first-round TKO win 90 seconds into the fight.

“It was different. It’s a little faster paced here. I was a little shocked,” Cejudo said. “That dude has a pair of cojones on him. He just came out swinging. He caught me with a shot but it was nothing crazy. I don’t like getting hit. I really work on my defense a lot. That’s what makes me a good fighter. It’s part of the sport, getting hit.”

In another announcement, Cejudo said he had signed a multi-fight deal with Gladiator Challenge and martial arts promoter Tedd Williams. Cejudo will make this debut with Gladiator Challenge on March 24 at the Soboda Casino Outdoor Arena in San Jacinto, California.  

Cejudo said, “It was very important for me to join an organization that has an established track record of helping young fighters grow into world class athletes and champions. The promotion has a huge following and I love to compete. I’m ready and can’t wait to put on a show.”

With a schedule of one fight per month for 2013, Cejudo said he wants to be a No. 1 fighter in his newly adopted sport. “On top. I don’t mean to be arrogant or ignorant. I’m here to perform. I’m here to get better,” he said.