UFC Fight Night is poised to deliver an exhilarating card, headlined by the return of former two-division champion Henry Cejudo as he faces off against No. 8 contender Song Yadong. Scheduled for February 22 in Seattle, this matchup not only promises fireworks but also carries significant implications for both fighters’ futures in the octagon.
Henry Cejudo, a name synonymous with excellence in mixed martial arts, is stepping back into the cage after a lengthy hiatus. His retirement in 2020 came as a shock, leaving fans and analysts questioning whether they had seen the last of the Olympic gold medalist-turned-fighter. At 38, Cejudo’s career has been a roller coaster ride, filled with monumental highs and sobering lows. Despite his setbacks, including a split decision loss to Aljamain Sterling and a unanimous decision defeat to Merab Dvalishvili, Cejudo remains a formidable presence in the bantamweight division. His quest for redemption in Seattle will not only be critical for his own trajectory but for the division’s landscape.
Cejudo’s unique accolade of holding titles in two weight classes simultaneously—with a resume that includes victories over elite opponents—cements his legacy. However, another loss might compel him to reconsider his future in the sport, especially after he hinted at potential retirement should he falter again. The stakes couldn’t be higher as he prepares to face the ever-dangerous Song Yadong.
Song Yadong, a rising star from China, enters this matchup looking to bounce back after his own disappointing outing against former champion Petr Yan. At just 27, Yadong has already built a respectable record, showcasing his striking prowess and resilience within the octagon. His capacity for adaptation and improvement is commendable, especially in the face of setbacks against seasoned competitors like Cory Sandhagen and Yan.
Fighting in Seattle allows Yadong to tap into the significant Chinese audience in the area, potentially providing him with a morale boost and an atmosphere charged with energy. As he seeks to upset the former champion and climb toward title contention, Yadong must bring his A-game to this pivotal contest. The bout represents not only a chance for Yadong to solidify his standing but also an opportunity to introduce his skills to a broader audience.
Complementing the main event, an intriguing co-main clash between No. 9 Rob Font and two-time champion Dominick Cruz adds another layer of excitement to the night. Cruz, recognized as the first-ever bantamweight champion, is making his comeback after a more than two-year layoff; his last fight saw him defeated by Chito Vera. As one of the most decorated fighters in UFC history, Cruz’s return is a significant moment for the bantamweight division, and fans are eager to see if he can recapture his former glory against Font.
Font’s recent victory over Kyler Phillips revitalizes his standing in the division. This matchup is a true test for both fighters: Font can prove he belongs within the championship conversation, while Cruz looks to erase doubts about his longevity and competitiveness at age 39.
The undercard for this event is brimming with promise, featuring dynamic matchups and prospects eager to make their mark. One such contest is the rematch between No. 9 middleweight Brendan Allen and No. 13 Anthony Hernandez. Their previous encounter ended in a decision win for Hernandez, setting the stage for an intriguing rematch as both fighters vie for a chance to surge up the ranks.
In addition to Allen and Hernandez, fans can look forward to rising stars like Joaquim Silva and Germany’s Islam Dulatov, whose battles promise to showcase raw talent and potential. With notable veterans and emerging prospects on the card, UFC Fight Night in Seattle is not just about the headlining bouts; it’s a showcase of the sport’s future.
As UFC Fight Night approaches, the anticipation surrounding Cejudo vs. Yadong and the co-main event featuring Font and Cruz continues to grow. Each bout carries substantial weight, with Cejudo and Cruz aiming to reclaim their places at the top while Yadong and Font seek to establish their paths toward championship glory. The dynamic nature of MMA ensures that anything can happen, and fans are in for a treat on February 22 in Seattle.