The excitement is palpable as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) gears up for a thrilling card on February 22 in Seattle, featuring a compelling main event pitting former two-division champion Henry Cejudo against No. 8 contender Song Yadong. UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell confirmed the fight, igniting interest in a matchup that promises to be as competitive as it is intriguing. Both competitors come into the fight with something to prove, making this one of the most highly anticipated bouts of the year.
Cejudo’s Path Back to the Octagon
Henry Cejudo, a name synonymous with greatness in the UFC, boasts an impressive record of 16 wins and 4 losses. Cejudo made history as a two-division champion, a prestige held by only a select few fighters, and he is undeniably one of the most decorated athletes to grace the Octagon. At 38 years of age, he has faced challenges following his unexpected retirement in 2020, and his return to MMA has been a bumpy road.
After stepping away for three years, Cejudo re-entered the fight scene in May 2023, where he lost a closely contested split decision to Aljamain Sterling in a bantamweight title fight at UFC 288. In his next outing at UFC 298, Cejudo faced a tougher defeat against Merab Dvalishvili, leaving him eager to reclaim his former glory. Known for his Olympic gold medal in wrestling and tenacious fighting style, Cejudo is now experiencing the pressures of mounting expectations as he seeks his first victory since defeating Dominick Cruz in 2020.
On the opposite side of the cage, Song Yadong presents a formidable challenge. With a professional record sitting at 21 wins, 8 losses, and 1 draw, Yadong enters this bout having recently tasted defeat, losing to former champion Petr Yan at UFC 299. Though only 27, Yadong possesses a blend of striking proficiency and resilience that has earned him recognition as a key contender in the bantamweight division.
Yadong’s fight style integrates powerful striking and a high fight IQ, and the Portland crowd could amplify his performance as he draws support from the sizeable Chinese community. This fight represents a crucial opportunity for Yadong to reset his trajectory within the sport, as he aims to build momentum and establish himself amongst the elite fighters in the division.
Enhancing the excitement of the card is the co-main bout, a showdown between No. 9 contender Rob Font and former champion Dominick Cruz. Cruz is a pioneer in mixed martial arts and was the UFC’s first bantamweight champion, with an array of accolades including four Fight of the Night awards. Cruz, now 39 years old, has had a long career filled with triumphs over notable names in the sport, but a loss to Chito Vera in August 2022 raised questions about the durability of the acclaimed fighter.
Font’s recent performances have been mixed, yet he garnered a decision victory over Kyler Phillips in October, lending him fresh momentum as he steps into the Octagon against the legendary Cruz. This clash not only boasts a storied history but may also serve as a pivotal moment for both fighters’ careers.
The excitement doesn’t end with the main and co-main events; the undercard features a variety of rising talents and veteran fighters. A rematch between Brendan Allen and Anthony Hernandez highlights the depth of the card, promising to captivate audiences from start to finish. Allen, seeking redemption after a prior loss to Nassourdine Imavov, faces Hernandez, who emerged victorious in their initial encounter back in 2018.
Additionally, prospects like Joaquim Silva and Melsik Baghdasaryan are set to battle, showcasing the next generation of fighters eager to make their mark in the UFC. Notably, the card may also include Michael Chiesa, a local favorite, which would heighten the stakes for the Seattle audience.
As the UFC prepares for this electrifying night, fans are left in eager anticipation, wondering how this constellation of fighters will fare under the bright lights of Seattle. Each match, particularly the main event between Cejudo and Yadong, carries significant implications for the future of the bantamweight division. With stakes this high, every second in the Octagon will matter, and fight fans are assured a riveting night of mixed martial arts.