Cejudo, former 2-division UFC champ, to box influencer Sept. 26

          • Brett OkamotoAug 21, 2026, 01:49 PM ET
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              Brett Okamoto has reported on mixed martial arts and boxing at ESPN since 2010. He has covered all of the biggest events in combat sports during that time, including in-depth interviews and features with names such as Dana White, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao and Georges St-Pierre. He was also a producer on the 30 for 30 film: "Chuck and Tito," which looked back at the careers and rivalry of Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz. He lives in Las Vegas, and is an avid, below-average golfer in his spare time.
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          Henry Cejudo, one of the most decorated combat sports athletes of all time, will make his professional boxing debut next month.

          Cejudo, 39, will face influencer boxer Nurideen Shabazz, aka Deen The Great, on Sept. 26 at James L. Knight Arena in Miami. Misfits Boxing will promote the event, which airs on DAZN in the U.S.

          A former U.S. Olympic gold medalist wrestler and two-weight UFC champion, Cejudo retired from MMA in December. He has competed in wrestling twice in 2026, and is scheduled to face Merab Dvalishvili at RAF 12 on Saturday. He has never boxed professionally, but has competed as an amateur.

          Deen The Great is a well-known influencer and boxer who first gained notoriety through viral street fight content.