Song Yadong Wins Decision Victory Over Henry Cejudo At UFC Seattle

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Post on Feb 23, 2025

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Song Yadong Edges Out Henry Cejudo in Split Decision Thriller at UFC Seattle

Seattle, WA – In a highly anticipated clash of styles at UFC Seattle on August 5th, 2024, Song Yadong secured a split decision victory over former two-division champion Henry Cejudo in a thrilling back-and-forth fight. The judges' scores reflected the fight's competitive nature, with two judges scoring the bout 29-28 in favor of Yadong, and one judge scoring it 29-28 for Cejudo. The win propels Yadong further up the bantamweight rankings, while Cejudo's return to the octagon after a three-year retirement ended in a narrow defeat.

The fight, held at the Climate Pledge Arena, lived up to the pre-fight hype. Cejudo, known for his exceptional wrestling and striking, came out aggressively, utilizing his superior takedown skills to control significant portions of the first round. He managed to secure several takedowns, showcasing his grappling prowess and effectively limiting Yadong's offensive output. However, Yadong, the dynamic striker, proved his resilience, consistently defending takedowns and landing powerful strikes whenever an opportunity presented itself.

The second round saw a shift in momentum. Yadong began to find his rhythm, landing crisp, clean strikes that visibly affected Cejudo. His speed and precision proved increasingly effective as the round progressed. While Cejudo continued to attempt takedowns, Yadong's improved takedown defense and counter-striking kept the fight competitive. The round showcased a clear shift in momentum, leaving the judges with a difficult decision entering the final frame.

The third round was a brutal display of grit and determination from both fighters. Yadong continued to press the action, relentlessly attacking Cejudo with a mix of strikes. Cejudo, visibly fatigued, fought back with his characteristic determination, but the damage inflicted throughout the fight seemed to be catching up to him. The final bell sounded to an electrifying roar from the Seattle crowd, with both fighters leaving everything they had in the octagon.

The split decision victory for Song Yadong was met with mixed reactions. While some analysts felt Cejudo’s takedowns deserved more weight, others highlighted Yadong's consistent offensive pressure and striking accuracy as the deciding factor. The fight served as a testament to the skill and determination of both fighters, providing a compelling spectacle for the fans in attendance and the millions watching worldwide.

Post-fight, Yadong expressed gratitude for the victory and hinted at future aspirations within the bantamweight division. Cejudo, while disappointed with the result, acknowledged Yadong's performance and hinted at the possibility of a rematch, a possibility that fans would undoubtedly welcome. The fight further solidified the UFC's position as the premier platform for mixed martial arts competition and added another chapter to the exciting saga of the bantamweight division. The fight also highlighted the importance of effective takedown defense in modern MMA and showcased the unpredictable nature of close decision bouts. The future of both fighters is bright, with this bout serving as a significant stepping stone in their respective careers.