Song Yadong Wins Close Decision Over Henry Cejudo At UFC Seattle

Admin

3 min read

Post on Feb 23, 2025

4.6

Share

Song Yadong Edges Out Henry Cejudo in Close Decision at UFC Seattle

Seattle, WA – Song Yadong secured a hard-fought split decision victory over former two-division champion Henry Cejudo in a thrilling main event clash at UFC Seattle on August 5th, 2023. The fight, a highly anticipated matchup between a rising bantamweight contender and a legendary former champion, lived up to the hype, delivering three rounds of back-and-forth action that left the crowd roaring and the judges scratching their heads.

The judges' scorecards ultimately revealed a 29-28, 28-29, and 29-28 victory for Yadong, highlighting the razor-thin margin separating the two fighters. The decision was met with mixed reactions from fans and analysts alike, with some feeling Cejudo deserved the win based on his perceived control of the later rounds, while others pointed to Yadong's early aggression and consistent pressure as the deciding factor.

Cejudo, known for his exceptional wrestling and striking prowess, started the fight cautiously, testing Yadong's range and defense. Yadong, however, proved elusive and aggressive, frequently landing stinging combinations and keeping Cejudo on the defensive. The first round saw Yadong unleash a flurry of strikes, including several impactful leg kicks that visibly hampered Cejudo's movement. While Cejudo landed some significant strikes of his own, Yadong's relentless pressure and accuracy appeared to give him the edge in the opening round.

The second round saw a shift in momentum. Cejudo, seemingly adjusting to Yadong's style, began to utilize his wrestling more effectively, taking Yadong down and controlling him on the ground for significant portions of the round. While unable to secure a submission, Cejudo’s ground control and superior grappling skills likely swayed the opinion of at least one judge.

The final round saw a return to the striking game, with both fighters trading blows in a furious exchange. Yadong continued to display his speed and power, while Cejudo showcased his durability and determination. Neither fighter gained a clear advantage in this final round, leaving the fight's outcome in the hands of the judges.

The fight's close nature sparked immediate debate, highlighting the subjective nature of judging in mixed martial arts. Many experts noted that the fight could have easily gone either way, underscoring the exceptional skill and competitiveness displayed by both athletes. The victory catapults Yadong further up the bantamweight rankings, positioning him for potential title contention in the near future. For Cejudo, the loss marks a setback in his comeback trail after a three-year retirement. Despite the defeat, Cejudo's performance demonstrated his enduring skill and fighting spirit.

Following the fight, both fighters expressed respect for their opponent, acknowledging the toughness and skill displayed throughout the contest. Yadong stated his intention to continue his ascent in the bantamweight division, while Cejudo remained non-committal about his future plans, suggesting that further consideration was needed before his next move.

The main event clash between Song Yadong and Henry Cejudo at UFC Seattle will undoubtedly be remembered as a classic example of a closely fought, high-stakes encounter, cementing both fighters' places in the UFC's bantamweight division's rich history. The split decision win for Yadong certainly provides the young contender with momentum as he looks to challenge for the title. The event itself drew considerable viewership and generated significant buzz within the MMA community.