In a dramatic twist during UFC Seattle, Henry Cejudo found himself on the losing end yet again, marking his third consecutive defeat. The former double champion faced Song Yadong on February 22, 2025, at the Climate Pledge Arena, and the fight did not play out as he had hoped. In a controversial moment in the third round, a double eye poke from Yadong changed the course of the battle, forcing Cejudo to halt after taking time to recover.
Eye-Popping Controversy
The fight ended under a cloud of confusion and frustration. Cejudo, after sustaining the eye poke, which was deemed accidental, took the full five-minute recovery period but declared to the referee that he couldn’t see well from his left eye. This prompted officials to call the fight, which resulted in a technical decision in favor of Song Yadong. The judges scored it (29-28, 29-28, 30-27), despite the tensions surrounding the decision as it stemmed from illegal blows.
Emotions Run High
Both fighters expressed a desire for a rematch after the bout concluded. Cejudo, visibly disappointed, reiterated how important this fight was for his career aspirations following his return from retirement. Despite facing a loss, Cejudo’s fighting spirit remains unshaken, but it begs the question: what does this mean for his future in the sport?
A Fighter’s Tale: Cejudo’s Tough Comeback
- Henry Cejudo has now faced misfortune since his return, with three losses in a row.
- This latest bout against Yadong may overshadow his impressive past achievements as a double champion.
- Cejudo noted feeling the impact of age and fierce competition in the bantamweight category, a challenge highlighted by legendary fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov providing advice to enhance his strategy moving forward.
What Happens Next?
While many in the audience expressed disappointment with the fight’s conclusion, it also sparked a conversation about the importance of ensuring fighter safety. Cejudo has made headlines not just for his skills in the octagon, but also for his heated interactions with controversial personalities, including recent verbal clashes with YouTube influencers backstage. It showcases a side of Cejudo that fans have come to both love and debate, adding a layer of drama to his career.
Looking Ahead: The Road for Cejudo
As Cejudo looks to regain his footing in the UFC, questions arise about his next steps. Will he pursue a rematch with Yadong? Can he steer his career back towards title aspirations at this stage of his fighting journey? For fans of ‘Triple-C’, these are pivotal moments worth following closely.
Main Fight Highlights
| Fighter | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Song Yadong | Win | 29-28, 29-28, 30-27 |
| Henry Cejudo | Loss | – |
Henry Cejudo’s journey continues to unfold with each fight, filled with intense competition and unexpected turns. As the sports world buzzes with the aftermath of his latest bout, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly waiting to see what this legendary fighter will do next.
