Henry Cejudo Vs. Song Yadong: Full Fight Recap And Analysis From UFC Seattle

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Post on Feb 24, 2025

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Cejudo's Triumphant Return: A Dominant Victory Over Yadong at UFC Seattle

Seattle, WA – Henry Cejudo's highly anticipated return to the UFC octagon ended in resounding success. The former two-division champion showcased his elite-level skills in a dominant performance against Song Yadong at UFC Seattle on August 5th, 2023, securing a unanimous decision victory. The fight, a main event clash hyped for weeks, lived up to the expectation, albeit not in the explosive knockout fashion many predicted.

Cejudo, known for his lightning-fast takedowns and suffocating ground game, controlled the pace from the opening bell. While Yadong, a rising star in the bantamweight division, displayed flashes of his powerful striking, Cejudo's superior wrestling and grappling proved too much to overcome. The former Olympic gold medalist repeatedly took Yadong down, controlling his position and landing consistent ground-and-pound throughout the fight.

The first round saw Cejudo establish his dominance early. He secured a takedown within the first minute, showcasing his improved takedown defense against the formidable Yadong. He maintained top control, landing several significant strikes before the end of the round. Yadong, while attempting to showcase his striking prowess, found himself repeatedly grounded.

The second round followed a similar pattern. Cejudo's takedown defense remained impenetrable, negating Yadong's attempts to create space for his powerful kicks and punches. On the ground, Cejudo was methodical, strategically wearing down his opponent. Yadong’s occasional bursts of offense were effectively countered, and Cejudo demonstrated masterful control, preventing Yadong from gaining any significant momentum.

The third round witnessed Yadong's most concerted effort to turn the tide. He landed a few significant strikes, showcasing his improved boxing skills developed over the years in his training camp. However, Cejudo's takedown defense and grappling mastery quickly neutralized these attempts. Cejudo once again controlled the fight on the ground, maintaining top position for a significant portion of the round and delivering ground and pound whenever the opportunity presented itself.

The judges' scorecards reflected the fight's overall dominance: 30-27, 30-27, and 30-27, all in favor of Henry Cejudo. While Yadong displayed heart and determination, Cejudo’s superior wrestling and grappling proved insurmountable. The victory cemented Cejudo's return to the top of the bantamweight division and sets the stage for potentially even bigger fights in the future.

The post-fight press conference saw Cejudo call out the current bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling. This potential showdown, filled with narrative and stylistic intrigue, instantly became one of the most anticipated fights in the UFC's near future. Sterling, known for his wrestling and grappling prowess, would present a formidable challenge to Cejudo, offering a clash of titans in the bantamweight division.

Cejudo’s victory was not just a comeback; it was a statement. His performance demonstrated a refined and evolved skill set, effectively neutralizing Yadong’s strengths and showcasing his continued dominance in the bantamweight division. The fight served as a reminder of Cejudo's exceptional talent and solidified his position as a key player in the future landscape of the UFC’s 135-pound weight class. The world now awaits the potential Cejudo vs. Sterling clash, a battle that promises to deliver fireworks.