SPORTS
Henry Cejudo's Unfinished Business with Song Yadong
Mon Feb 24 2025
Henry Cejudo, a former UFC champion, found himself on the losing end of his third straight fight. His opponent, Song Yadong, emerged victorious in a technical decision at the UFC Fight Night 252 event in Seattle. The fight ended early due to an eye poke, which left Cejudo unable to see clearly. Cejudo, however, doesn't believe he lost the fight.
Cejudo took to social media to express his frustration. He argued that the eye poke significantly impacted his performance. Despite acknowledging Song's toughness, Cejudo insists that the fight should be rematched. Unfortunately, UFC CEO Dana White hinted that a rematch might not happen.
Song, who was favored to win, secured his biggest victory yet. This win comes after a loss to former bantamweight champion Petr Yan. Song has won six of his last eight fights at bantamweight. Cejudo, on the other hand, is on a three-fight losing streak. He retired in 2020 after a successful title defense against Dominick Cruz. Cejudo's return to the ring in 2023 has seen him face challenges, including losses to Aljamain Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili.
Cejudo's eye injury occurred in the third round. He used his full five-minute recovery time, which raised questions about his strategy. Cejudo appeared to have light moments with the referee and fans during this break. When the fight resumed, Song put on the pressure, but the judges ultimately decided the outcome based on the three complete rounds.
Cejudo's claim that he didn't lose the fight is a bold statement. It's up for debate whether his actions during the recovery break were gamesmanship or a genuine attempt to recover. Cejudo's career has been marked by unexpected turns, including his retirement and recent losses. His determination to rematch Song adds an extra layer of intrigue to his story.
Song's victory is a significant milestone in his career. It showcases his skills and determination. Cejudo's insistence on a rematch highlights the complex nature of their rivalry. Fans and critics alike are left to ponder the true outcome of the fight and the potential for a rematch.
Cejudo's journey in the UFC has been marked by highs and lows. His current losing streak is a testament to the challenges he faces. Song's victory, meanwhile, is a testament to his growing prowess in the sport. The future of their rivalry remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Cejudo believes he has unfinished business with Song.
continue reading...
questions
Did Cejudo's fans boo him because they thought he was playing possum or because they were hungry for a win?
How might the UFC address the issue of gamesmanship during recovery breaks in future fights?
How does Cejudo's claim of not losing the fight align with the judges' decision?
actions
flag content