Johnson Declines Cejudo's Challenge to RAF Wrestling Match

Former UFC champ says he's retired and too busy to compete in wrestling event

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Former UFC and ONE flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson has declined an offer from ex-two-division UFC titleholder Henry Cejudo to compete in a Real American Freestyle (RAF) wrestling league event. Johnson stated he is retired and too busy to wrestle, telling Cejudo "Don't try to con me into this sh*t."

Why it matters

This exchange highlights the ongoing rivalry between two of MMA's biggest stars, as Cejudo continues to seek high-profile matchups after his own retirement from the UFC. Johnson's refusal to compete outside of MMA also speaks to the challenges of cross-promotional events between different combat sports disciplines.

The details

Cejudo had challenged Johnson to a wrestling match at the upcoming RAF 6 event on February 28 in Tampa, Florida. However, Johnson firmly declined the offer, telling Cejudo he doesn't "wrestle" and is "retired and super busy." Cejudo is scheduled to face UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber at the RAF 6 event.

  • Cejudo last fought in December 2025 at UFC 323, losing to Payton Talbott by unanimous decision.
  • Faber last fought in December 2019 at UFC 245, losing to Petr Yan by knockout in the third round.
  • RAF 6 is scheduled for February 28, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.

The players

Demetrious Johnson

Former UFC and ONE flyweight champion who has declined an offer to compete in a wrestling event.

Henry Cejudo

Former two-division UFC champion who challenged Johnson to a wrestling match at the upcoming RAF 6 event.

Urijah Faber

UFC Hall of Famer who is scheduled to face Cejudo at the RAF 6 event in Tampa, Florida.

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What they’re saying

“Don't try to con me into this sh*t. Don't try to con me into this sh*t. I don't wrestle, man. I'm retired and super busy. You still want to compete — you're the competitor, not me.”

— Demetrious Johnson (telecomasia.net)

What’s next

The upcoming RAF 6 event on February 28 in Tampa, Florida will feature the matchup between Henry Cejudo and Urijah Faber.

The takeaway

This exchange highlights the ongoing rivalry and competitive nature between top MMA stars like Johnson and Cejudo, even as they enter different stages of their careers. It also underscores the challenges of cross-promotional events between combat sports disciplines, as athletes may be unwilling to compete outside of their primary sport.