Payton Talbott: "I know that calf hurts" - Henry Cejudo posts congratulatory message to Payton Talbott after UFC 323

Henry Cejudo's storied MMA career came to a close at UFC 323. As he exits the sport on the back of a loss, 'Triple C' made sure to praise his final opponent.

During the post-fight interview, Cejudo, who has trained with Payton Talbott in the past, predicted a bright future for the youngster. The MMA legend also urged Talbott to continue training with him going forward.

Furthermore, in a post on X following the event, he wrote:

"Congrats to Payton on a great performance. You will be a star in this sport. I know that calf hurts."

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Check out Henry Cejudo's comments below:

Despite being a former two-division champion in the promotion, Cejudo entered his MMA swansong as the betting underdog. Talbott soon started outlanding the 38-year-old on the feet.

Surprisingly, however, that's not all he did; the surging contender used sly foot sweeps and well-timed shots to secure multiple takedowns on the Olympic gold medalist.

While Cejudo tried to turn the tide with bursts of aggression and low kicks to manage the distance, it was Talbott's body shots that proved most effective. Ultimately, the judges scored the fight a unanimous decision in favor of the 27-year-old.

With the win, Talbott has improved his record to 11-1. He will likely enter the bantamweight rankings at the No.10 spot previously held by Cejudo after the next update.

'Triple C', meanwhile, leaves the sport with a 16-6 record, two division champion laurels, and wins against legends including Demetrious Johnson and Dominick Cruz. Cejudo is considered by many to be one of the most accomplished combat sports athletes of all time.

Henry Cejudo is "excited" for retirement

After an illustrious career, Henry Cejudo has finally put down his gloves for good. However, Cejudo is not regretful but excited for what lies ahead.

During an interview with Megan Olivi following his fight against Payton Talbott, Cejudo said that he was ready to say goodbye to fighting after competing at the highest levels since an early age:

"I don't want to do this no more. Since the age of 11, I've been at the highest levels. I'm just excited to say goodbye, start that new chapter in my life. Even tomorrow, man, I'm thinking of staying an extra day. I don't want my kids to see me like this [hurt]. So, this sport has humbled me, this sport has given me so much opportunity, I'm just super thankful." [0:44 mark of the interview]