In a pivotal showdown in the bantamweight division, the match between Song Yadong and Henry Cejudo ended in a manner that has prompted discussions about potentially booking an immediate rematch. This Saturday at UFC Fight Night in Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena, the bout concluded prematurely due to an accidental eye poke that left former two-weight champion Cejudo unable to continue effectively. This incident not only raised concerns about the fairness of the result but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of combat sports.
Yadong entered the octagon with a professional record of 22 wins, 8 losses, and 1 no contest, while Cejudo boasted a record of 16 wins and 5 losses. The fight, originally slated for five rounds, showcased both fighters making tactical adjustments on the fly. Initially, Yadong demonstrated confidence, using his youth—being 11 years Cejudo’s junior—to his advantage. He landed some solid punches and controlled much of the pace in the earlier rounds. However, Cejudo, an Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, showed resilience and experience as he landed notable jabs and left straights during the bout.
The match began heating up as Cejudo’s seasoned striking began to counter Yadong’s output. With a determined spirit, Cejudo bloodied Yadong’s nose in the second round while pressing forward aggressively. As the fight progressed into the third round, it appeared that Yadong was gaining the upper hand, dominating the exchanges and outstriking Cejudo. By the round’s conclusion, the fight statistics reflected Yadong’s clear striking superiority, as he outlanded Cejudo with a total of 84 to Cejudo’s 67.
The defining moment came late in Round 3 when Cejudo executed a forward movement to land punches while Yadong defended himself by extending his hand. This defensive maneuver inadvertently resulted in an eye poke that impeded Cejudo’s vision. The sudden disruption required the ringside physician’s intervention, leading to a technical decision being rendered in favor of Yadong. The judges scored the fight 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28, a result that many fans and analysts deemed contentious given the circumstances.
Both fighters expressed a desire for a rematch post-fight. Yadong voiced his remorse for the accidental nature of the eye poke, stating, “That was totally an accident. The result is not what I wanted. I’m so sorry. Henry is a legend. We should run it back.” His respect for Cejudo as an opponent showcases the sportsmanship that is often overshadowed by the brutality of the sport.
Cejudo, on the other hand, despite being unhappy with the fight’s outcome, made it clear that he wasn’t considering retirement. “I couldn’t see out of my left eye,” he explained. “That last minute [of the third round]… I wanted to continue, but if I couldn’t see, he was just going to hurt me.” His call for a rematch mirrors the sentiment of many fans who want to see this contest concluded under more favorable conditions.
The result of this fight has significant implications for the bantamweight division. Cejudo entered this matchup as the seventh-ranked fighter, while Yadong was closely behind at eighth. This unexpected outcome could create a ripple effect in future rankings and title challengers. An immediate rematch would not only satisfy the narratives established in their first encounter but also restore a semblance of order in the rankings.
Additionally, while both fighters may need to prove themselves through further bouts, a direct rematch could serve as a proverbial reset button for both their careers. It would exhibit the competitive spirit of the division while drawing in large audiences eager to witness a fight that promises thrilling exchanges and uncertainty—the very essence of mixed martial arts.
The Yadong versus Cejudo fight will undoubtedly be remembered for its abrupt and controversial ending, setting the stage for a compelling rematch that could reshape current title ambitions in the bantamweight division. As fight fans await confirmation of the rematch, discussions surrounding fighter safety, rules, and the unpredictable nature of the sport remain front and center in their minds.