The highly anticipated UFC Fight Night 252 unfolded at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, marking the promotion's return after more than a decade. Featuring Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo against the rising star Song Yadong, the event not only provided thrilling action but also showcased notable performances from fighters eager to make their mark.
Seattle’s athletic spirit was palpable as the arena buzzed with excitement, welcoming back UFC after 11 years. The unique venue, which became the world’s first net-zero carbon certified arena, was filled to capacity with passionate fans eager for high-stakes bouts. The night kicked off with explosive matchups, setting the stage for the main event.
At 38, Cejudo returned to the octagon determined to prove he remains relevant at the highest level of competition following his retirement reversal earlier this year. Having suffered losses against Aljamain Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili since his comeback, the pressure was on for Cejudo to avoid another defeat and to regain his former glory. Meanwhile, Song Yadong, at just 27, represented the new generation of fighters, seeking to establish himself as a prominent contender with aspirations of joining the elite ranks of the bantamweight division.
The stakes could not be higher for the main event, with Yadong predicting he could potentially retire Cejudo. “I believe I will make him retire after this one… It’s gonna be one-sided beat-up,” stated Yadong before the fight. His confidence reflects his status as the betting favorite, aiming to capitalize on Cejudo's struggles and secure his place among the top fighters. Will Cejudo's experience give him the edge, or will Yadong’s youth and ambition prove decisive?
Prior to the marquee matchup, the card delivered some incredible firefights, showcasing impressive knockout performances. UFC 252 was already being hailed as one of the most thrilling occasions as eight of the nine preceding fights ended with stoppages. Among the highlights, Rob Font faced Jean Matsumoto. This clash between seasoned striker Font and grappling specialist Matsumoto kept fans on their toes.
The bout opened with Font demonstrating his prowess, landing powerful jabs and keeping Matsumoto on the defensive. Despite the Brazilian fighter finding success on the ground with takedowns, it was Font’s tenacity and skillful elbows—one of which opened up a cut on Matsumoto—that helped him earn a split decision victory, with two judges scoring the fight 29-28 in his favor.
“What a fight!” exclaimed Gilbert Burns on social media, encapsulating the excitement of Font’s impressive performance. The clash served as just another example of the competitive spirit showcased throughout the night. Font's victory not only halted Matsumoto’s hype train but also reestablished the New England Cartel fighter as a key player within the featherweight division.
Another standout performance came from Modestas Bukauskas, who began the night with a ferocious first-round knockout over Raffael Cerqueira. This set the tone for the evening as fighters unleashed their skills and left the crowd roaring with every bout. The momentum continued to build with notable finishes from other fighters such as Spartak Ruziboev and Austin Vanderford—a ground-and-pound TKO win for the UFC newcomer added to the entertainment.
With matches such as Ricky Simon’s KO over Javid Basharat and Mansur Abdul-Malik achieving five knockout sequences, the night underscored the electric atmosphere of Seattle’s Cage. Fans were treated to spectacular displays of athleticism, leaving them hungry for more.
Seattle certainly showed its appreciation for high-octane fighting, overcoming the absence of events over the last decade. The climate pledge arena has traditionally hosted multiple popular teams and events, including those from the NHL and WNBA, but on this night, it was all about the UFC.
The eagerly awaited main event, Cejudo vs. Yadong, is expected to be the highlight of UFC Fight Night 252. Fans and analysts alike are curious to see how the two fighters square off, particularly with Cejudo’s wrestling background against Yadong’s versatile fighting style. While Cejudo has spoken of his ambition to potentially move back down to the flyweight division, he must first contend with the challenge posed by the rising talent of Yadong.
Overall, UFC Fight Night 252 at the Climate Pledge Arena has proven to be more than just another event. It serves as a marker of the UFC’s potential and ambition, reviving the excitement of fight fans across Seattle and beyond. Many are already wondering how the fighters will evolve from this exciting melee, and questions linger: How will they carry this momentum forward? What direction will the careers of these athletes take?
One thing is certain: UFC’s return to Seattle has reignited the communal love for the sport, and this fight card will be remembered long after the final bell. Only time will tell what the immediate future holds for Cejudo and Yadong, but their clash is set to be monumental, foreshadowing the promise of even greater fights to come.