Former two-division UFC champion and Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo will make his professional boxing debut against influencer content creator Nurideen “Deen The Great” Shabazz. Misfits Boxing announced the September 26 matchup, which takes place at the James L. Knight Center in Miami and streams on DAZN.
Fantasy & Market Impact
- Fighter Valuation: For Shabazz, a 6-1 combat sports competitor holding a 5-1 record in Misfits bouts, a victory against a former UFC champion dramatically alters his market ceiling in promotional matchmaking.
From the Octagon and Mats to the Squared Circle
Henry Cejudo’s transition to boxing follows a decorated career in mixed martial arts and amateur wrestling. Misfits Boxing and Cejudo announced Wednesday that the 39-year-old athlete will step into the ring. Cejudo retired from MMA competition following a unanimous decision loss to Payton Talbott at UFC 323 in December 2025, as reported by mmasucka.com. Since stepping away from the cage, Cejudo has returned to his combat sports roots, wrestling frequently for Real American Freestyle (RAF).
Though this marks his professional boxing debut, Cejudo is no stranger to the sweet science. Mmasucka.com notes that the Olympic gold medalist spent three years competing in amateur boxing following his 2008 Olympic wrestling run, even winning the annual State of Arizona Copper Gloves tournament in Phoenix in 2010. That foundational striking experience will be tested against a younger opponent who has spent years establishing himself inside the promotion.
Evaluating the Opposition: Deen The Great
Nurideen Shabazz presents a distinct challenge as a seasoned veteran of the Misfits Boxing banner. According to mmajunkie.usatoday.com, Shabazz is a 25-year-old Kick streamer and content creator from Tampa, Florida, who boasts a 6-1 overall combat sports record. He stands at 1-0 as a professional boxer and holds a 5-1 record specifically under the Misfits banner, having previously held the promotion’s lightweight title, as highlighted by mmasucka.com.
While Cejudo brings unmatched credentials from the highest levels of combat sports—including championships in two UFC divisions and Olympic gold—Shabazz fights in his home state of Florida with significant experience inside the specific rules and pacing of influencer boxing events. The September 26 event at the James L. Knight Center pits Cejudo’s legendary grappling and tactical cage IQ against a younger striker accustomed to the spectacle and rhythm of the Misfits organization.
| Metric | Henry Cejudo | Nurideen Shabazz |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 39 | 25 |
| Primary Discipline | Wrestling / MMA | Influencer Boxing / Striking |
| Professional Boxing Record | 0-0 (Debut) | 1-0 |
| Promotional Background | UFC / Olympic Wrestling | Misfits Boxing (5-1 record) |
The Strategic Outlook for September
Cejudo’s transition adds a compelling chapter to a career already defined by multi-discipline success. Whether his amateur boxing background from 2010 and elite wrestling pedigree can neutralize Shabazz’s active Misfits momentum will be answered under the bright lights in Miami.
Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
