Henry Cejudo: The Aftermath of His Fight Against Song Yadong
Henry Cejudo, the former two-division UFC champion, faced significant criticism after his fight with Song Yadong at UFC Seattle. The match was abruptly halted in the third round when Cejudo sustained an eye poke, a common but painful foul in mixed martial arts (MMA). The incident forced referee Jason Herzog to pause the action and allow Cejudo five minutes to recover. Despite the efforts of the ringside physician, Cejudo struggled to regain his vision, eventually signaling to his team that he could no longer see. The technical decision was then awarded to Song, as the judges’ scorecards had already been tallied after three full rounds.
The Physical and Emotional Toll
The severity of the eye poke became apparent when Cejudo posted a close-up photo of his injured eye on social media, detailing the extent of the damage. The caption read, "diplopia, soft tissue damage, corneal abrasion." Diplopia, or double vision, was the primary issue that rendered Cejudo unable to continue. This medical condition, along with the soft tissue damage and corneal abrasion, highlights the significant physical toll the eye poke took on him. Cejudo’s candid sharing of his injury not only provided transparency but also humanized his situation, allowing fans to understand the challenges he faced.
Addressing the Critics
In the aftermath of the fight, Cejudo faced a wave of criticism from detractors who accused him of using the eye poke as an excuse to stop the fight. To counter these claims, Cejudo posted another message, stating, "he wanted a way out." This bold statement was a direct response to the critics, emphasizing that he was genuinely unable to continue due to the severity of his injuries. The situation was further complicated by referee Jason Herzog’s decision not to penalize Song for the foul, a choice that could have altered the outcome if a point deduction had been imposed. The judges’ scorecards (30-27, 29-28, and 29-28) all favored Song, and a point deduction would have resulted in a majority draw.
The Medical Visit and Immediate Aftermath
Cejudo’s immediate need for medical attention was evident as he skipped the post-fight media interviews to seek treatment at a local Seattle hospital. The severity of his injuries required prompt medical care, highlighting the importance of proper medical oversight in MMA. The decision to go to the hospital was a responsible one, ensuring that Cejudo received the necessary treatment to prevent any long-term complications. This sudden turn of events left the UFC community and fans in a state of shock, as the fight’s conclusion was far from the competitive and exciting bout everyone had anticipated.
The Call for a Rematch
Despite the disappointing ending, Cejudo immediately called for a rematch with Song, indicating his determination to settle the score. However, UFC CEO Dana White promptly dismissed the idea, stating, "I just don’t want to see it again." This response from White added another layer of complexity to the situation, as it suggested that the UFC brass was hesitant to book a rematch, possibly due to the controversial nature of the fight’s ending. Cejudo’s request for a rematch was a natural reaction to the unsatisfying conclusion, but the UFC’s reluctance to grant it underscores the delicate balance between fan expectations and the organization’s interests.
Reflections and Moving Forward
The unfortunate end to the main event at UFC Seattle serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of MMA. While Song had demonstrated his surging form in the third round, the eye poke ultimately determined the outcome. For Cejudo, the experience was a humbling one, highlighting the importance of physical and mental resilience in the sport. Despite the criticism and the disappointing result, Cejudo’s transparency and willingness to address the situation head-on demonstrate his professionalism and commitment to the sport. As he looks to the future, the focus will likely shift to his recovery and potential next moves in his career, with the hope of regaining the form that made him a two-division champion.
