In a dramatic night at UFC Seattle, Henry Cejudo’s comeback took another twist as he suffered a controversial technical decision loss to Song Yadong. The fight, held on September 2, 2023, ended in the third round due to a double eye poke that left Cejudo unable to continue. This loss marks Cejudo’s third consecutive defeat since returning from retirement, raising questions about his future in the bantamweight division.
What Happened in the Fight?
The main event was intense, with both fighters displaying their skills. Cejudo, a former two-weight world champion, was looking to regain his position among the elite in the UFC. However, the fight took an unexpected turn late in the third round. As the action heated up, Yadong accidentally poked Cejudo in the eyes, leading to an immediate stop in the fight.
- Cejudo took all five minutes allowed to recover.
- After resuming, he expressed frustration that he couldn’t see from his left eye.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the incident, the judges ultimately awarded Song Yadong the victory with scores of 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27. This result sparked discussions among fans and commentators regarding the fairness of the decision.
The Eye Poke Incident
It was an unfortunate moment in an already intense match. With both fighters trading powerful strikes, the accidental eye poke caused a halt that shifted the momentum. Yadong later apologized for the unintentional foul, emphasizing that it was never his intention to harm Cejudo. The incident left many wondering if a point deduction could have changed the outcome of the fight, possibly leading to a draw.
Cejudo’s Reaction
After the match, Cejudo was visibly upset and stated, “I couldn’t see out of my left eye after that.” He expressed his disappointment, having hoped this fight would mark a turnaround in his career. Despite the setback, Cejudo hinted at the possibility of a rematch with Yadong, showing his determination to reclaim his position in the sport.
What Does This Mean for Cejudo?
This latest loss raises questions about the future for Cejudo, who has not won a fight since coming out of retirement. With a current record of 0-3 since his return, he faces a crucial juncture in his career. After previously dominating the bantamweight and flyweight divisions, the pressure is mounting for Cejudo to regroup and reassess his strategy moving forward.
- Cejudo is known for his resilience and has overcome challenges before.
- This defeat puts him in a tough spot as he contemplates his next steps in the octagon.
Opinions vary among fans and experts, with some encouraging him to take a break and others urging him to climb back into the ring sooner rather than later.
Main Card Highlights
While Cejudo’s fight was the focal point, UFC Seattle featured several exciting matchups. Notably, Anthony Hernandez defeated Brendan Allen in the co-main event, continuing his impressive winning streak. Other highlights from the card included:
- Alonzo Menifield’s victory over Julius Walker.
- Jean Silva’s impressive fourth consecutive stoppage win against Melsik Baghdasaryan.
- Rob Font’s win against Jean Matsumoto, marking his second straight victory.
The event was action-packed and showcased a mix of both new talent and seasoned fighters, making it a memorable night for fans.
The Bigger Picture
With UFC Seattle having concluded, the sport’s landscape continues to shift. Cejudo’s journey serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts. As the bantamweight division remains highly competitive, Cejudo’s next moves will be crucial for determining his legacy.
Fans eagerly await news of his future plans, wondering if he will seize the chance to bounce back against Yadong or take the time needed to recalibrate his approach. The road ahead is uncertain, but Cejudo has always been a fighter, both in the octagon and in life.
