Former UFC double champion Henry Cejudo returned to victory lane for the first time since 2020, securing a decision win in a special grappling contest against former ONE Championship flyweight titleholder Kairat Akhmetov at Alash Pride 108 in Astana, Kazakhstan, on May 27.
The Olympic gold medalist and former two-division UFC champion demonstrated his world-class wrestling skills during the five-minute exhibition match. After spending the opening moments in a collar tie position, Cejudo executed a well-timed inside trip takedown that put Akhmetov on the canvas. The American quickly established side control, though Akhmetov defended well enough to eventually return to his feet.
In the final minute, Cejudo managed another takedown, but Akhmetov scrambled to top position as time expired. When the brief contest concluded, Cejudo was declared the winner by decision as the announcer proclaimed in Kazakh,
“I’ve been a big fan of his for a minute,”
Cejudo said of his opponent after the match.
“I know he was supposed to fight Demetrious Johnson but right now he’s a world champion and it’s an honor to be at this stage.”
Cejudo‘s visit to Kazakhstan extended beyond competition. Embracing local culture, he donned traditional Kazakh attire and sampled traditional cuisine, including horse meat, a delicacy deeply rooted in Kazakh culinary traditions.
A viral moment during his visit occurred when a Kazakh MMA star surprised Cejudo during a promotional faceoff by kissing him on the forehead—a gesture that has since circulated widely on social media.
The exhibition victory comes at a crucial time for Cejudo‘s career. The former champion has lost his past three UFC bouts against Aljamain Sterling, Merab Dvalishvili, and Song Yadong. His most recent match against Yadong ended due to an eye injury, which has prompted speculation about retirement.
