The highly anticipated UFC main event pitting former two-division champion Henry Cejudo against the eighth-ranked bantamweight Song Yadong ended with controversy on February 22, 2025, at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. What was expected to be an exhilarating match concluded abruptly due to an accidental eye poke, leaving fans and fighters alike disgruntled with the outcome.
Both fighters stepped inside the octagon determined to reclaim their positions among the sport's elite. Cejudo entered the bout after two hard-fought losses to reigning champion Merab Dvalishvili and former champion Aljamain Sterling, determined to bounce back and break his losing streak. Conversely, Yadong was also coming off a defeat, having faced former champion Petr Yan, and was eager to return to the win column to solidify himself as a contender for the title.
The fight launched with Yadong taking the initiative, attacking Cejudo’s lead leg early. Cejudo, known for his wrestling, showed patience as he attempted to establish his rhythm, landing light strikes but failing to land any significant shots initially. MMAWeekly scored the first round 10-9 for Yadong, reflecting his control and effective counters.
Round two saw both men trading blows, with Yadong continuing to find success with powerful leg kicks and jabs, keeping Cejudo at bay. Cejudo pushed forward but struggled to penetrate Yadong's defense. After another round, MMAWeekly adjusted their score to 10-9 for Cejudo, appreciating his late surge as he found more rhythm with his punches.
The fight's momentum continued to fluctuate until the pivotal third round. Yadong opened up with confident combinations, but everything shifted when he unintentionally poked Cejudo in the eye. Referee Jason Herzog stopped the fight to allow Cejudo recovery time, with the fighter declaring, "I cannot see," to his corner. This was the moment signaling distress as Cejudo was clearly struggling.
While Cejudo took the prescribed five minutes to recover, there were murmurs among fans questioning whether he was using the time to collect himself. Speculation grew, with frustrated fans noting the potential for him to have been taking longer than allowed. Cejudo indicated he found himself going on the defensive, showcasing concern over his vision as Yadong pressed forward with clean strikes.
When the action was permitted to resume, Yadong was relentless, landing impactful punches. The ringside physician assessed Cejudo's condition and recommended the fight be stopped. Subsequent to the doctor's assessment, the bout concluded with no clear victor, prompting the judges to score the fight based on earlier rounds. They declared Yadong the winner by technical decision, with scores reading (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).
The crowd, clearly unhappy with the outcome, voiced their displeasure with loud boos as Yadong and Cejudo left the octagon. Many fans felt the result didn’t reflect the nature of the fight and lamented what was seen as an anti-climactic end to what had been shaping up as dynamic competition. Both fighters expressed their desire for an immediate rematch, emphasizing their readiness to engage once more without the interruptions.
Yadong, showcasing confidence, declared he would fully embrace another opportunity against Cejudo. He stated emphatically, "I demand to run it back immediately." His remarks emphasized the importance he placed on ensuring their match-up had resolution. Meanwhile, Cejudo's frustration was palpable as he closed the night expressing his disappointment over the fight's conclusion.
This incident raises questions about fight management and the need for clear protocols for handling unexpected stoppages, especially concerning athlete safety. Moving forward, fans and athletes alike will be closely watching how such incidents are resolved and the policies governing fight conclusions to avoid unsatisfactory outcomes. The need for clarity and fairness has never felt more pressing.
So, for both fighters — what’s next? While Yadong walks away buoyed by victory, Cejudo must reevaluate his game plan moving forward to regain his status within the division. One thing is for certain: the narrative from UFC Seattle will linger as fighters rally around the principle of fair play within the sport.