UFC Seattle Results: Yadong Edges Out Cejudo In Hard-Fought Bout

3 min read Post on Feb 23, 2025
UFC Seattle Results: Yadong Edges Out Cejudo In Hard-Fought Bout

UFC Seattle Results: Yadong Edges Out Cejudo In Hard-Fought Bout


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Yadong Scores Split Decision Upset Over Cejudo in Thrilling UFC Seattle Main Event

Seattle, WA – In a shocking upset that sent ripples through the mixed martial arts world, Song Yadong edged out former two-division champion Henry Cejudo via split decision in the main event of UFC Seattle on Saturday night. The fight, a highly anticipated clash of styles, lived up to its hype, delivering a back-and-forth battle that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats until the final bell.

The judges' scorecards reflected the fight's razor-thin margin: two judges scored the bout 29-28 in favor of Yadong, while one judge saw it 29-28 for Cejudo. The decision sparked immediate debate among fans and analysts, with many believing the fight could have gone either way.

Cejudo, known for his exceptional wrestling and striking, started strong, utilizing his takedown abilities to control the early rounds. He landed several impactful strikes and controlled significant portions of the ground game. However, Yadong, a powerful striker with rapidly improving grappling skills, consistently countered Cejudo’s advances with crisp strikes and impressive defensive wrestling. He displayed remarkable composure and resilience, weathering Cejudo's attacks and landing significant strikes throughout the fight.

The fight's momentum shifted dramatically in the later rounds. Yadong, seemingly fueled by the crowd's energy, began to land cleaner and more powerful strikes, consistently finding openings in Cejudo's defense. His combinations, particularly his left hook, proved effective in stunning Cejudo and opening up opportunities for further strikes. While Cejudo remained dangerous, landing a few key takedowns, Yadong’s consistent striking and improved defensive grappling ultimately swayed the judges' decision.

The victory marks a significant turning point in Yadong's career. The 25-year-old Chinese fighter has been steadily climbing the bantamweight ranks, demonstrating remarkable growth in his skillset. His upset win over a legend like Cejudo instantly catapults him into title contention, establishing him as a serious threat to the top contenders in the division. The performance showcased a clear evolution in his game, highlighting his improved grappling defense and his increasingly potent striking power.

For Cejudo, the loss marks his first defeat since 2018, snapping a three-fight win streak. Despite the setback, Cejudo’s performance was far from disappointing. He showed moments of brilliance, showcasing the skills that made him a champion. The loss, however, may lead to questions about his future in the sport, particularly given his previous retirement and comeback. His age and the toll of the fight are undoubtedly factors to consider moving forward.

The UFC Seattle event was filled with other exciting matchups, but the main event clash between Song Yadong and Henry Cejudo undeniably stole the show. The fight served as a testament to the unpredictable nature of MMA, highlighting the skill and resilience of both fighters. The split decision victory for Yadong not only reshaped the bantamweight landscape, but provided a thrilling conclusion to a memorable night of fights. The aftermath of this surprising result promises to generate significant discussion and anticipation for Yadong's upcoming fights and Cejudo's potential future in the UFC.

UFC Seattle Results: Yadong Edges Out Cejudo In Hard-Fought Bout

UFC Seattle Results: Yadong Edges Out Cejudo In Hard-Fought Bout

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