Former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo, ahead of his bout against Payton Talbott, commented on the problem of eye pokes during fights in the UFC.
Cejudo believes that the league's leadership must be held responsible for such incidents.
Henry Cejudo, quoted by MMA Junkie
I think everybody needs to man up. Dana White, the Nevada State Athletic Commission, the referees, and just make a f*** decision. If we're being warned in the back, all right then: I'm going to start sticking you in the eye, too. I get a warning. Everybody needs to f*cking man up and step up and make this thing official. Somebody could lose an eye. If I also lose an eye, dude. ‘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 and Talbott will fight on December 7 in Las Vegas, USA, as part of the UFC 323 event.
Cejudo last stepped into the octagon in February 2025 at UFC Fight Night 252, losing to Song Yadong by technical decision (unanimous). He holds a record of 16 wins and five losses.
Talbott last fought Felipe Lima in June 2025 at UFC 317. That fight concluded in Payton's favor by unanimous decision. He holds a record of ten wins and one loss.
