The UFC is set to ignite the octagon this Saturday, February 22, with the highly anticipated UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Song at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. The main event features the former flyweight and bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo squaring off against the rising star Song Yadong. Both fighters have made the contracted weight of 136 pounds for this pivotal bantamweight bout, and fans are eager to see who will emerge victorious.
Henry Cejudo, who returns to the cage after one year away, is determined to snap his two-fight losing streak—a feat he has never accomplished previously. The former champion faces off against Song Yadong, who, at 26 years old, is eager to solidify his standing within the division. With recent bouts resulting in mixed outcomes (2 wins and 2 losses), Song is ready for the challenge Cejudo presents.
The co-main event promises to deliver excitement as Brendan Allen takes on Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez, both of whom weighed in at the middleweight limit of 186 pounds. Their matchup is particularly intriguing since they previously met at LFA, where Hernandez secured the victory via unanimous decision. Now, after several years of growth for both fighters, fans are curious to see how their skills will measure against each other once more.
The full card consists of 12 exciting fights, set to air live on ESPN+ starting at 6 p.m. ET with the preliminaries, followed by the main card kicking off at 9 p.m. ET. Here’s the lineup of fights scheduled:
Preliminary Card:
- Modestas Bukauskas (203) vs. Raffael Cerqueira (204)
- Nursulton Ruziboev (184) vs. Eric McConico (184)
- Nikolay Veretennikov (175) vs. Austin Vanderford (174)
- Ricky Simon (135) vs. Javid Basharat (136)
- Mansur Abdul-Malik (186) vs. Nick Klein (186)
- Andre Fili (145) vs. Melquizael Costa (145)
- Ion Cutelaba (205) vs. Ibo Aslan (205)
Main Card:
- Alonzo Menifield (205) vs. Julius Walker (205)
- Jean Silva (145.5) vs. Melsik Baghdasaryan (145)
- Rob Font (138) vs. Jean Matsumoto (139)
- Brendan Allen (186) vs. Anthony Hernandez (186)
- Henry Cejudo (135) vs. Song Yadong (136)
Betting analysts have taken notice of the fighters' capabilities, weighing advantages and disadvantages. Cejudo is known for his pristine wrestling skills, often dissecting opponents with strategic precision. "Cejudo never makes mistakes and has incredible wrestling pedigree to fall back on," commented analysts from the New York Post. Conversely, Yadong looks to exploit Cejudo's perceived vulnerabilities, stating, "Yadong has never faced a wrestler of the caliber of Cejudo." His five-round battle experiences could serve him well against the seasoned veteran.
Betting odds suggest Cejudo as the underdog, with analysts believing it’s worth considering placing bets on him. With Yadong’s impressive physicality and youth against Cejudo’s extensive experience, predictions are varied. Another bout to keep an eye on is the contest between Allen and Hernandez, renowned grapplers who bring significant history to the octagon. "I think Silva is going to dominate this fight," noted betting experts, recognizing Silvas’s impressive track record.
The event not only showcases remarkable talent but provides ample intrigue for avid MMA fans and casual spectators alike. With the stakes high for both main event fighters as well as the co-main event and highlighted bouts, UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Song is set to be unforgettable. Whether you’re tuning in for the fireworks of Cejudo's return or witnessing the sparks of promotional future talent, this card promises to deliver thrilling moments for everyone involved.
Fans can expect intense fights from start to finish as individual matchups demonstrate the fighters’ grit, determination, and the fierce nature of mixed martial arts. Indeed, every fighter on this card has something to prove, and the night will undoubtedly be filled with exciting moments.
With so much on the line, fight enthusiasts are already discussing potential outcomes and possible bets leading up to the event, with many marking their calendars for what is sure to be one for the history books. Make sure to catch the action on ESPN+!