Cejudo Loses To Yadong In Close Fight At UFC Seattle

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Post on Feb 24, 2025

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Cejudo's Reign Ends: Yadong Scores Split Decision Victory in Thrilling Seattle Showdown

Seattle, WA – Henry Cejudo's highly anticipated return to the octagon ended in defeat Saturday night at UFC Seattle. The former two-division champion, known for his lightning-fast takedowns and explosive striking, suffered a split decision loss to Song Yadong in a closely contested bantamweight fight that captivated the crowd at the Climate Pledge Arena. Judges Chris Lee and Mike Bell scored the bout 29-28 in favor of Yadong, while judge Sal D’Amato saw it 29-28 for Cejudo.

The fight was a back-and-forth affair from the opening bell. Cejudo, showcasing his signature wrestling prowess, repeatedly took Yadong down in the early rounds, controlling the pace and landing significant ground-and-pound. However, Yadong, showcasing improved takedown defense in the latter rounds, consistently threatened with powerful strikes, landing several significant blows that visibly rocked Cejudo. The final round saw both fighters unleash a flurry of strikes, leaving the outcome uncertain until the judges' scorecards were read.

The 36-year-old Cejudo, a decorated Olympic gold medalist wrestler, hadn't competed since May 2020, when he defeated Dominick Cruz to retain his bantamweight title. His return was met with immense anticipation, with many believing his experience and wrestling dominance would overwhelm the younger, albeit powerfully striking, Yadong. Instead, Yadong's improved grappling defense and relentless striking proved to be the difference. The fight highlighted the significant strides Yadong has made in his overall game, showcasing his evolution into a well-rounded mixed martial artist.

While Cejudo showed flashes of his former brilliance, his ring rust was evident. His takedowns, while successful, lacked the explosive speed and efficiency that defined his previous performances. His striking, while effective at times, couldn't match the power and volume of Yadong's attacks. The fight underscored the challenges of a long layoff and the significant evolution of the bantamweight division during Cejudo's absence.

The loss marks a significant setback for Cejudo's ambitions to reclaim a UFC title. His future remains uncertain, with the possibility of retirement looming large. However, given his competitive spirit and decorated past, a complete departure from the sport seems unlikely.

Yadong, now 2-0 in his last two fights and 20-7-1 overall, has cemented his place as a rising contender in the bantamweight division. His victory over Cejudo is a significant step forward in his quest for title contention, showcasing his impressive evolution as a fighter and underscoring his potential to become a future champion. The fight solidified his position in the rankings and will almost certainly result in a higher-profile matchup in his next bout.

The event itself, UFC Seattle, was a resounding success, drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd. The main event lived up to its hype, delivering a thrilling and unpredictable contest that left fans buzzing long after the final bell. The card also featured several other compelling matchups, showcasing the depth and talent within the UFC roster. The event was a testament to the enduring popularity of mixed martial arts and the UFC’s ability to consistently deliver high-quality events.