A Disappointing Conclusion to a Promising Fight
The bantamweight bout between Song Yadong and Henry Cejudo at UFC Seattle was a highly anticipated match, but it came to an abrupt and unsatisfying end in the third round. During a fierce exchange on the feet, Song accidentally poked Cejudo in the eye, badly compromising his vision. Cejudo, repeatedly telling his coaches that he couldn’t see, was unable to continue, and the ringside physician had no choice but to stop the fight. Despite the controversy, the judges’ scorecards were tallied, and Song was awarded the win by technical decision. The outcome left many fans and commentators feeling disappointed, as the fight had been competitive and exciting up to that point.
Dana White’s Stance on a Rematch
In the aftermath of the fight, both Song and Cejudo expressed openness to a rematch. However, UFC President Dana White made it clear during the post-fight press conference that he has no interest in seeing the two fighters face each other again. “Not at all,” White emphatically stated. “Not even a little bit. I just don’t want to see it again.” White’s decision is significant, as his approval is often necessary for major fights to be rebooked. While the fighters and some fans may have hoped for a chance to settle the score, White’s stance suggests that the UFC sees no value in revisiting the bout, especially given how it ended.
The Fight’s Progression and Song’s Performance
Before the eye poke, the fight had been a thrilling showcase of skills. Song Yadong, the rising Chinese star, was up on the scorecards and seemed to be gaining momentum as the rounds progressed. His performance was characterized by precision and resilience, making him a formidable opponent for the former Olympic gold medalist and UFC champion, Henry Cejudo. Cejudo, known for his strategic and dynamic fighting style, was putting up a strong fight but appeared to be on the back foot in the third round. The accidental eye poke not only halted the action but also left a bitter taste in the mouths of those who had been eagerly following the fight.
The Referee’s Decision and Its Impact
One of the most contentious points surrounding the fight’s conclusion was the decision of referee Jason Herzog not to assess a point deduction for the eye poke. The decision to penalize a fighter for an accidental foul is always at the referee’s discretion, and in this case, Herzog chose not to deduct points from Song. White, while not explicitly criticizing the referee’s decision, did offer his perspective. “If you thought he intentionally poked him in the eye, [you take a point],” White said. “Why would he poke him in the eye? He was doing pretty well. If he was getting his ass whooped, and he poked him in the eye, you could probably make the argument.” This reasoning suggests that Herzog saw the incident as an unfortunate accident rather than a deliberate attempt to gain an unfair advantage.
The Frequency of Eye Pokes in MMA
Eye pokes are a part of the risks inherent in mixed martial arts (MMA), and they do occur more frequently than one might expect. White acknowledged this, noting, “Listen, eye pokes are never good but they happen a lot. And fights do continue after eye pokes. I don’t know, I’d have to look and see how many fights are actually stopped due to an eye poke. Not many.” Despite the frequency of such incidents, the severity of the eye poke in this particular fight was enough to end it, leaving both fighters and fans feeling frustrated. The rarity of such a stoppage adds to the sense of disappointment and the desire for a rematch to provide a more conclusive result.
Moving Forward in the Bantamweight Division
As the UFC moves forward, the future of the bantamweight division is sure to be influenced by the outcome of this fight and its aftermath. Song Yadong, with his technical decision win, has solidified his position as a top contender in the division. However, the nature of the win may leave some questions about his true potential. For Henry Cejudo, the fight serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of MMA and the importance of physical resilience and mental fortitude. While a rematch may not be in the cards, both fighters will likely use this experience to inform their future strategies and training. The UFC, under Dana White’s leadership, will continue to focus on delivering high-quality matches and building the careers of fighters like Song and Cejudo, ensuring that the sport remains exciting and competitive for fans around the world.
