Song Yadong’s Buckets-List Fight: A Missed Opportunity with Dominick Cruz
Song Yadong grew up idolizing Dominick Cruz, a fighter who has been hailed as one of the greatest bantamweights of all time. The 27-year-old watched Cruz’s fights religiously, admiring his style and determination. Song always dreamt of stepping into the octagon with Cruz, hoping to measure his skills against such a decorated opponent. However, those aspirations were dashed when Cruz suffered a shoulder injury, leading to his withdrawal from the upcoming UFC Seattle card and, ultimately, his retirement from MMA. Song, who is now set to face another former world champion, Henry Cejudo, in the main event, expressed deep respect and regret for Cruz’s retirement. "I always wanted to fight Dominick Cruz," Song told MMA Fighting. "When I was younger, I watched his fights all the time. I loved [watching him so much. I like his style, but I feel so bad he retired."
Dominick Cruz: A Legacy of Triumph and Adversity
Cruz’s career has been marked by both unparalleled success and significant setbacks. Despite the injuries that plagued him, Cruz managed to become a two-time UFC bantamweight champion. In January 2016, he made a triumphant return after nearly five years away from the octagon, defeating T.J. Dillashaw in the main event of UFC Fight Night 81 to reclaim the title. Cruz’s dedication and resilience were further highlighted when he successfully defended the belt against Urijah Faber at UFC 199. However, his reign came to an end when he lost to Cody Garbrandt at UFC 207 in December 2016. Cruz’s return to competition in May 2020 was met with high expectations, but he was stopped by Henry Cejudo at UFC 249. Although "The Dominator" won two of his final three fights, his last bout ended with a head-kick knockout loss to Marlon Vera at UFC San Diego in August 2022, marking the end of his active career.
A Friendship Rooted in Respect: Song and Urijah Faber
Song’s admiration for Cruz is deeply personal, as Cruz has a long-standing rivalry with Song’s mentor and coach, Urijah Faber. Faber, a former UFC bantamweight champion himself, has been a significant influence on Song’s career, providing guidance and support. The connection between Song and Cruz, through Faber, adds a layer of complexity to the situation. "I have so much respect for Dominick Cruz," Song added. "He’s been a huge inspiration to me, and to my coach Urijah. It’s a pity we won’t get to see him compete again, but I’m taking the lessons he’s taught me into my own fights."
The Path to UFC Seattle
While the opportunity to face Cruz has passed, Song is now preparing to headline a major event himself. The main event of UFC Seattle will pit Song against Henry Cejudo, a former two-division champion known for his explosive power and strategic brilliance. This bout is a significant step forward for Song, who has mainly competed in the smaller, more intimate venues like the UFC APEX, where the absence of a live audience can sometimes diminish the atmosphere. "Yeah, this is a real main event for me with [a] crowd," Song said, emphasizing the importance of the moment. "I’ve had other main events, but they were all at the APEX without a crowd. This is different, and I’m ready to showcase my skills on a bigger stage."
The Pressure of a Main Event
Headlining a card in front of a large audience brings with it a unique set of pressures and expectations. For Song, this is not just another fight; it’s a chance to prove himself against one of the sport’s most formidable opponents. Cejudo’s reputation as a two-division champion and his recent return to the octagon after retirement only add to the gravity of the match. Song is well aware of the challenges ahead but remains focused and motivated. "I know Henry is a tough opponent, but I’m prepared for this fight," Song said. "I’ve been working hard, and I believe I can make a statement here. It’s an honor to be in the main event, and I’m not going to let this opportunity slip away."
Looking Forward, Embracing the Moment
Despite the disappointment of not facing Cruz, Song is determined to make the most of his current opportunity. He is honored to compete against Henry Cejudo, a fighter who has left an indelible mark on the sport. For Song, this fight is about more than just winning; it’s about growing, learning, and continuing to honor the legacy of the fighters who inspired him. "I’m excited to be in the main event and to have the crowd’s support," Song said. "It’s a dream come true in many ways. I’ll take what I learned from watching Dominick and apply it to my fight with Henry. I’m ready to put on a show and prove that I belong at this level."
