Introduction
On the evening of February 22, 2025, the UFC held a highly anticipated event at the Qudos Bank Arena in Seattle, Washington. The main event of the night featured a clash between two formidable fighters, Henry Cejudo and Song Yadong. Cejudo, a former Olympic gold medalist and UFC champion, entered the fight with an impressive record of 16-5, while Song, known for his technical prowess and perseverance, sported a record of 22-8-1, with one no-contest. The fight was broadcast live on ESPN+, and it quickly became a talking point due to unexpected circumstances that led to its premature conclusion.
Round 1: Setting the Stage
As the bout began, both fighters approached the center of the octagon in orthodox stances, with Cejudo quickly establishing his presence. The initial minutes were characterized by a cautious dance, as both fighters feinted and moved around the ring, testing each other’s defenses. Song, the larger fighter, used his size advantage to set a good space, effectively countering Cejudo’s attempts to close the distance. Cejudo did manage to land a body kick, the first significant strike of the night, but it didn’t appear to do much damage. Despite Cejudo’s efforts to force the issue with combinations and a high kick, Song maintained his composure and continued to control the range. A good right hand from Song near the end of the round showcased his superior timing and accuracy. MMA Fighting scored the round 10-9 in favor of Song, setting the tone for what was to come.
Round 2: Song’s Dominance
In the second round, Song took control of the center early, and Cejudo, recognizing the need to change his strategy, focused on attacking Song’s lead leg. However, Song’s movement and reach proved to be significant obstacles. Cejudo’s wild combinations often missed their mark as Song easily evaded them. Despite this, Cejudo managed to land a few good shots, including a left hook during an inside combination. Nevertheless, Song’s ability to counter and maintain his distance remained evident. By the midpoint of the round, Song had Cejudo backpedaling around the cage, effectively neutralizing any offensive threats. Cejudo did manage to land a lead right and a combination, but Song’s overall dominance in terms of movement and striking was clear. The round ended with Cejudo still struggling to find a rhythm, and MMA Fighting scored it 10-9 for Song, giving him the lead 20-18 overall.
Round 3: The Turning Point
The stakes were high for Cejudo as he entered the third round, needing to win three consecutive rounds to turn the tide. He began the round with more aggression, throwing with intent and landing a few solid shots. Song, however, was equal to the task, countering effectively and maintaining his composure. A low blow from Song caused a short break in the action, and Cejudo expressed his frustration. As the round progressed, Song continued to outmaneuver and outstrike Cejudo, showcasing his superior speed and defense. The round took a dramatic turn when Song accidentally poked Cejudo in the eye, causing significant vision impairment. Cejudo immediately complained to the referee, and despite the doctor’s presence, the round was allowed to continue. The audience and commentators were critical of the referee’s handling of the situation, but Cejudo managed to make it to the bell, though his vision remained compromised.
Round 4: The Decision
The fourth round began with Cejudo repeatedly telling his corner that he couldn’t see clearly, with his vision reportedly blurred. The doctor was called in, and it was apparent that continuing the fight would be difficult, if not impossible, for Cejudo. Despite this, the referee, Jason Herzog, considered starting the round and then going to the scorecards, a decision that drew widespread criticism from the audience and commentators. The situation was described as a "clusterf*ck" due to the lack of clarity and proper handling of the medical issue. Eventually, the fight was called off, and the decision was left to the judges. Song, who had been leading the fight convincingly, was understandably upset, as was the crowd, which had been eagerly awaiting a more decisive outcome.
The Aftermath: Song’s Victory
With the fight ending prematurely, the judges were forced to make a decision based on the rounds that had been completed. Song Yadong was declared the winner by technical decision, with scores of 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28. This victory solidified Song’s standing as a top contender in the division, demonstrating his technical skills and resilience. Cejudo, on the other hand, was left disappointed and frustrated, calling for a more fair and immediate stop to the fight following the eyepokes. The incident highlighted the importance of clear and consistent rules in the UFC, especially when it comes to fighter safety.
Conclusion
The Henry Cejudo vs. Song Yadong bout at UFC Seattle was a mixed bag of intense action and controversial refereeing. Despite the premature ending, the fight showcased the technical and physical prowess of both fighters, with Song clearly outperforming Cejudo in the first three rounds. The eyepokes and the subsequent handling of the situation left many questioning the decision-making processes in place for such incidents. Nevertheless, Song’s win was a significant milestone in his career, and the fight will undoubtedly be remembered for its dramatic and unexpected conclusion. For Cejudo, this setback will likely spur him to seek a rematch or a new challenge to reclaim his standing in the UFC.
