A Premature End to a Fierce Battle
Henry Cejudo, a former two-division UFC champion, found himself in a difficult position during the main event at UFC Seattle this Saturday, where he faced off against Song Yadong. The bout was abruptly halted just 80 seconds into the third round due to an accidental eye poke from Song. Cejudo, known for his resilience and determination, attempted to recover during the mandatory five-minute break. However, his vision remained impaired, and he informed referee Jason Herzog, “I can’t f*cking see.” Despite his initial optimism, the reality of the situation forced the doctors to stop the fight at the start of the fourth round, resulting in a technical decision that awarded the victory to Song.
The Aftermath and Initial Reactions
In a candid video posted to social media, Cejudo expressed his frustration and disappointment. “We wanted to finish the fight, man,” he said, his voice tinged with a mix of regret and determination. He recounted the incident, explaining how the eye poke had left him seeing double. This was not the first time Cejudo had experienced such an injury, but the severity of this particular incident caught him off guard. “The same reason why I was smiling or whatnot, but after those five minutes were up, I still couldn’t see anything. Or it’s not that I couldn’t see anything, I was seeing double.” This double vision made it impossible for him to continue the fight, leaving both him and the fans feeling cheated of a complete and fair contest.
A Call for Fair Play and Reconsideration
Cejudo’s call for a rematch is rooted in his belief that the fight was not given a fair conclusion. He pointed out that Song Yadong should have been deducted a point for the foul, which would have resulted in a majority draw. “And it’s unfortunate, dude. Did Song do it intentionally? No. But should there be a point deducted? One hundred percent, man. I think it’s like basketball, where there’s technical fouls. If you travel, it’s still technical.” The former champion argued that the rules are in place for a reason, and even unintentional fouls should be addressed to ensure the integrity of the sport. He hopes the UFC will implement a system where referees can review footage to make more informed decisions, similar to how many other sports handle such situations. “As a fighter, one of the first things that the referee says when they go in the back is like, you cannot stick your fingers out like that. And I think the warnings are already set before the fight.”
The Rules and Reality of Combat Sports
Cejudo’s comments highlight the complexities of combat sports, where accidental injuries can significantly alter the outcome of a fight. He acknowledged that Song was not at fault for the eye poke but emphasized the need for better enforcement of existing rules. “I got kicked in the balls a couple of times, and then eye-poked. Bro, something has to be done.” The situation underscores the importance of referees and their ability to manage the fast-paced and unpredictable nature of MMA bouts. Cejudo, who was given a 30-day suspension by the local athletic commission, plans to see a specialist on Sunday in hopes of returning to normal vision. However, the experience has left him with a sense of unfinished business and a strong desire to see the fight through to its intended conclusion.
A Fight That Deserved More
The fight between Cejudo and Song was shaping up to be a memorable one, with both fighters displaying exceptional skill and grit. “There were still two rounds left. The pace was picking up. He was hurt. Look at my face, look at his face. Dude, we’re scrapping,” Cejudo stated. The intensity of the match was evident, and the fans were eagerly anticipating a full four rounds of action. Cejudo’s plea for a rematch is not just about personal pride but also about giving the sport and its fans the full experience they deserve. “I think we should run it back. Dana, I respect you, I hope we could run this back.” His words reflect the deep respect and passion he has for MMA and the legacy of his opponents.
An Appeal to the UFC and Beyond
Cejudo’s request for a rematch is a call to action not just for UFC CEO Dana White but for the entire MMA community. He hopes that the powers that be will recognize the unique circumstances of the fight and grant him the opportunity to compete against Song again. The former champion’s determination and sportsmanship are evident in his willingness to face the same opponent despite the adverse conditions. “I know you said that you’re not interested in that rematch. Dude, let’s run it back.” His video statement serves as a reminder of the human side of combat sports, where athletes are not just competitors but individuals with a deep commitment to the sport and its rules.
