UFC Seattle: Henry Cejudo vs. Song Yadong: Live round-by-round updates
A bantamweight clash between Henry Cejudo and Song Yadong will headline UFC Seattle later this evening (Feb. 22) at Climate Pledge Arena.
With an Olympic wrestling gold and UFC double championship laurels to his name, Cejudo (16-4) is one of the most influential figures in combat sports history. However, 'Triple C's' MMA career has hit some roadblocks in recent times.
His efforts to win back the bantamweight strap after his return from retirement haven't gone all too well. The 38-year-old is currently on a two-fight skid and a win this weekend might be a non-negotiable to keep his title dreams alive.
While Yadong (21-8-1 and 1 NC) has been a mainstay in the division for a while, losses in consequential bouts have voided him of a title shot this far. 'Kung Fu Kid', however, holds wins against the likes of Marlon Vera and Marlon Moraes among others.
A win over Cejudo could be the perfect stepping stone he might need to thrust himself into a No.1 contendership matchup.
The bookmakers see Yadong as a -270 favorite for the fight with Cejudo as a +220 underdog. The main card of the event is now live. Stick with Sportskeeda for live coverage and play-by-play updates from the fight card.
Check out the final face-off between the UFC Seattle main eventers below:
UFC Seattle: Henry Cejudo vs. Song Yadong
Round 1
Cejudo is constantly feinting level changes in an effort to keep his opponent guessing. Yadong is employing leg kicks. Cejudo feints a level change and explodes forward with a knee to the body.
Yadong seems to be waiting patiently, waiting to catch Cejduo with a counter. A counter right by the Chinese national momentarily stuns 'Triple C'. Cejudo lands a left hand.
A single-leg attempt by 'Triple C' gets defended by his opponent. A powerful right hand lands for Cejudo.
Our score: 10-9 Cejudo, Cejduo 10-9 overall.
Round 2
Cejudo is using level change attempts to set up his strikes. However, Yadong's continued legkick seems to be troubling 'Triple C'. A big right hand by 'Kungu Fu Kid' stuns his opponent.
The fighters seem evenly matched on the feet. However, Song seems to have more pop to his punches. A leg kick unbalanced Cejudo. Any more damage to the lead leg might handicap 'Triple C' for the rest of the fight.
A stiff jab by Cejduo puts Yadong on notice. A right-hand left hook combo lands for the former champion. A left hook by 'Kung Fu Kid' snaps his opponent's head back.
Our score: 10-9 Yadong, 19-19 even.
Round 3
Cejudo is throwing bombs. Yadong answers back with power shots of his own. 'Kung Fu Kid' is winning most of the exchanges. An accidental low blow by 'Yadong' momentarily pauses the action.
As the action restarts Yadong lands bombs in the pocket. A knee to the head lands for the Chinese national. 'Triple C' lands a clean left hand. An accidental eye poke on Cejudo stops the fight monetarily.
Cejudo asks the referee to deduct a point from Yadong, but Jason Herzog denies the fighter's request.
Yadong pounces on Cejudo as the fight restarts, however, fails to land anything of consequence.
Our score: 10-9 Yadong, Yadong 29-28.
Cejudo tells his corner that his left eye is blurry and, can't see clearly. The doctor advises the fight to be stopped. We are going to the scorecards. The fight will be judged based on three out of the five rounds that transpired.
Official decision: Song Yadong def. Henry Cejudo via technical decision. (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Post-fight
Both fighters ask for an immediate rematch.
Watch Song Yadong call for a rematch against Henry Cejudo below: