Matt Damon Recalls Awkward Encounter with UFC Champion Henry Cejudo

During a recent episode of *The Joe Rogan Experience*, actor Matt Damon shared a humorous story about his unexpected encounter with former UFC champion Henry Cejudo at a UFC event, likely UFC 227 in Los Angeles. Damon, who was backstage discussing Conor McGregor with a UFC lawyer, initially failed to recognize Cejudo, who was dressed in casual attire consisting of chinos and a blue button-up shirt. Damon described Cejudo as "very small" and did not regard him as a fighter until he was introduced.

Matt Damon recounts awkward encounter with former UFC championMatt Damon recalls surprising meeting with ‘very small’ UFC legend Henry CejudoMatt Damon snubbed Henry Cejudo backstage at UFC 227Matt Damon opens up on amusing first encounter with UFC great Henry Cejudo

Damon recounted the moment when he learned Cejudo's identity, stating, “I’m like, ‘this f—ing guy could wreck me right now. Absolutely f—ing destroy me.’” He noted that Cejudo, despite his formidable fighting background, did not carry himself like a typical tough guy, which contributed to Damon’s initial oversight. This encounter highlights the contrast between Cejudo's unassuming demeanor and his reputation as a two-division UFC champion.

Matt Damon opens up on amusing first encounter with UFC great Henry Cejudo

The interaction between Damon and Cejudo reflects a growing trend of UFC fighters mingling with Hollywood celebrities as mixed martial arts gains mainstream popularity. Damon’s experience is not isolated; other fighters have also had notable encounters in the entertainment industry, although not all have been as smooth. For instance, Brian Ortega and Mackenzie Dern's recent appearance at the Golden Globes left many observers puzzled.

Matt Damon recounts awkward encounter with former UFC champion

Henry Cejudo, who retired from MMA after a decision loss to Payton Talbott at UFC 323 in December, is set to return to competition. He will face UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber in a wrestling match at RAF 06 on February 28, marking a significant comeback for the former champion after a challenging end to his MMA career.

Matt Damon recalls surprising meeting with ‘very small’ UFC legend Henry Cejudo

In the podcast, Damon expressed his positive experiences with fighters, agreeing with Rogan's sentiment that UFC athletes are among the "sweetest, nicest, friendliest people in the world." This perspective underscores the camaraderie and respect that exists within the MMA community, even as fighters transition into the public eye.

Matt Damon recounts awkward encounter with former UFC champion

• “This guy walks up and he’s in, like, chinos, like khaki pants, and like a blue button-up kind of business shirt with spectacles,” — Matt Damon

Matt Damon recounts awkward encounter with former UFC champion

• “And I’m like, ‘This f—king guy could wreck me right now,’” — Matt Damon

Matt Damon snubbed Henry Cejudo backstage at UFC 227

• “He’s not carrying himself like he’s [a tough guy], he just is the thing.” — Matt Damon

Matt Damon recalls surprising meeting with ‘very small’ UFC legend Henry Cejudo

This encounter not only showcases the intersection of sports and entertainment but also highlights the humility and approachability of athletes like Henry Cejudo, even in the presence of Hollywood stars.

Matt Damon recounts awkward encounter with former UFC champion