A Night of Controversy and Consequence
Henry Cejudo’s return to the octagon this past Saturday was far from the triumphant comeback he had envisioned. In the highly anticipated main event at UFC Seattle, Cejudo faced off against Song Yadong, a rising star in the bantamweight division. However, the fight took an unexpected turn when Song accidentally poked Cejudo in the eye late in the third round. The incident left Cejudo unable to continue, and referee Jason Herzog called a halt to the contest. The fight was then sent to the judges, who awarded Song a technical decision. The outcome was met with immediate controversy and sparked a wave of debate within the MMA community.
The Aftermath: Visual Impairment and Financial Loss
The aftermath of the fight revealed the extent of the damage Cejudo had sustained. In an interview on the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Cejudo described the injuries he suffered, including diplopia (double vision), soft tissue damage, and a corneal abrasion. His left eye, he noted, was still blurry and he was seeing double, impairing his ability to function normally. The seriousness of the injury became even more stark when his ophthalmologist explained that had Song’s pinky finger hit his pupil, Cejudo could have been blinded. "I have a dent in my eye. It freaking ruptured. … It’s damaged," Cejudo emphasized, highlighting the severity of the situation.
A Steep Learning Curve
Cejudo’s loss to Song adds to a series of setbacks since his return to active competition in 2023. With this defeat, he is now 0-3 since coming out of retirement, suffering losses to then-bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling at UFC 288 and future champion Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 298. While both of those opponents were formidable and well-respected in the division, losing to Song, who is less heralded, adds a bitter taste to his recent performances. This string of losses has not only dented his reputation but also raised questions about his future in the sport. Cejudo, however, remains resilient, acknowledging that he took the fight to prove his capabilities and to provide for his family. "I apologize to everybody who I’ve ever doubted. It’s not until it happens to you where you’re just like, f*ck, dude. Maybe it was time for me to eat some humble pie here," he conceded.
The Controversial Decision
The decision to award Song a technical decision has been a point of contention. Cejudo, aware of the rules, had requested a moment to regain his vision between rounds, hoping it would clear up. He detailed his thought process: "But I wanted to fight. It’s the same reason why I took the five minutes and I can see where people kind of took it because I’m smiling, but that’s just me. I kind of did this, like, ‘Hey you guys, give me a second. I’m going to fight. I’m just waiting for my eyesight to come back.’" Despite his efforts and the referee’s reassurance, Cejudo’s vision did not improve, leading to the contentious decision. The financial impact of not receiving his win bonus was significant, totaling $150,000, a loss that hit him hard, especially given his family’s needs. "I’ve got kids. That is the prize money for me. It’s not just a f*cking win," he lamented.
The Desire for a Rematch
Despite the setbacks, Cejudo and Song share a mutual interest in running back their fight. Both fighters believe that a rematch would provide a more definitive outcome and settle the score. Cejudo stated, "If we can’t get Song, I would love to fight Petr Yan," indicating his willingness to face other top contenders if a rematch is not feasible. He acknowledged that Petr Yan is also looking to fight in May, and if the UFC is willing to arrange the bout, Cejudo is ready to step up. The rematch with Song, however, remains his primary goal, as he feels it would be a fairer opportunity to showcase his skills and rectify the technical decision.
A Future in Question
As Cejudo reflects on his recent performances and the challenges he faces, his future in the UFC is uncertain. The string of losses and the severity of his eye injury are significant factors that cannot be overlooked. Cejudo, known for his tenacity and incredible fight record, including two-division championships, has always been a fighter who leaves everything in the octagon. His current situation, however, has forced him to reassess his career and consider the next steps carefully. Whether he gets the rematch with Song or faces Petr Yan, Cejudo is determined to prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. For now, the MMA community awaits his next move, hoping to see him return to the form that made him a legend in the sport.
