Henry Cejudo, the former UFC two-division champion, is gearing up to headline UFC Fight Night 252 on February 22 at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena. Facing the surging Song Yadong, Cejudo sees this matchup as his chance to break a two-fight skid and prove he still belongs among the bantamweight elite. With high stakes and contrasting styles, the main event promises to captivate fight fans worldwide.
Henry Cejudo: A calculated approach to a dangerous opponent
Known for his technical brilliance and Olympic gold medal in wrestling, Cejudo (16-4 MMA, 10-4 UFC) is a fighter who thrives on strategy. Heading into this crucial bout, he sees Song Yadong (21-8-1 MMA, 10-3-1 UFC) as a strong but beatable opponent. On his “Pound 4 Pound” podcast with Kamaru Usman, Cejudo broke down the matchup with confidence.
“Stylistically, we’re both kind of little muscular humans,” Cejudo joked. “He’s a little taller than me, but I personally like the fight. Song is going to bring a lot of power and uses his hands well, but I know he fades as the fight goes on. I’ve got a solid game plan for a guy 10 years younger than me. He’s tough, but I can stop this dude. He’s going to need a lot more than a fortune cookie, let me tell you.”
At 36 years old, Cejudo faces a unique challenge in taking on a fighter with Song’s youth and explosiveness. However, his ability to adapt his wrestling-heavy style and his sharp fight IQ remain his biggest weapons in this pivotal clash.
Song Yadong: A rising star ready for the spotlight
At just 26 years old, Song Yadong has already cemented his place as one of the most promising contenders in the bantamweight division. Song’s most recent victory, a dominant performance over Chris Gutierrez in December 2023, showcased his ability to thrive under the pressure of five-round main events.
Song’s skill set is a dangerous blend of power and precision. His striking arsenal includes explosive combinations, precise counterpunching, and the ability to control the pace of a fight. Analysts have noted his exceptional ability to maintain composure under fire, making him a formidable challenge for any opponent. Song’s recent performances suggest he is ready to test his mettle against a fighter of Cejudo’s caliber.
“Song Yadong is a name every bantamweight needs to watch,” one analyst remarked. “His ability to seamlessly mix aggression with technique makes him a wild card in any matchup.”
What’s at stake for both fighters?
For Cejudo, this fight represents more than just another main event—it’s a crossroads moment in his career. Coming off back-to-back losses since his return from retirement in 2023, Cejudo must prove he still has what it takes to compete with the division’s rising stars. A victory would not only halt his losing streak but also position him for a potential title shot or high-profile rematch.
For Song, the stakes are equally high. A win over a decorated champion like Cejudo would elevate his profile in the bantamweight division and possibly secure him a title eliminator bout. It’s a chance for the younger fighter to solidify his place among the division’s elite and signal a changing of the guard in the UFC.
A high-stakes battle awaits in Seattle
The Seattle crowd is set to witness a captivating clash of generations and styles on February 22. Will Cejudo’s legendary wrestling and tactical approach prevail, or will Song’s youthful aggression and striking prowess prove too much for the veteran? One thing is certain: this fight will have significant implications for the bantamweight division.
As Cejudo confidently stated, “It’s going to turn out to be a banger, dude.” Fans will eagerly tune in to see if the Olympic gold medalist can reclaim his former glory or if Song Yadong will take another step toward superstardom.
