The UFC Fight Night Seattle main event got fans buzzing when a dramatic end saw Song Yadong clinch a controversial victory over Henry Cejudo. The two fighters locked horns in a battle that left spectators and officials with plenty to discuss.
Eye Poke Controversy the Turning Point
It was the third round that had everyone talking. As the clock ticked down with only 70 seconds remaining, Song Yadong accidentally poked Henry Cejudo in the eye, causing a significant twist to the bout. Cejudo, who had come out strong in the first round, suddenly found himself unable to continue due to blurred vision. This left no choice for referee Jason Herzog but to halt the fight and bring in medical checks.
The doctor confirmed that Cejudo was not fit to continue, as the eye injury was severe enough to impair his vision. This decision led to the judges taking over, scoring the match 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27 in favor of Yadong, resulting in a technical decision win for him.
Responses and Reactions
After the fight, Song Yadong, understanding the incident's impact, expressed his apologies to Cejudo and offered a rematch to resolve the controversy in a more decisive manner. However, UFC CEO Dana White quickly dismissed any talks of a rematch, firmly stating that he wasn’t interested in seeing it again.
This outcome has left Henry Cejudo still searching for a win in his comeback trail, now standing at a 16-5 record, having struggled since his return. Meanwhile, Song Yadong continued to build momentum, marking his third victory in four fights and improving his career record to 22-8-1.
Adding to the evening's excitement, the co-main event saw Anthony Hernandez defeat Brendan Allen with a unanimous decision, putting an end to Allen’s impressive seven-fight winning streak. Hernandez managed to secure the judges’ favor with a 29-28, 29-28, and 30-26 score.
The night in Seattle surely gave fight fans and analysts much to chew over, raising questions about technical rulings and what could have been one of UFC’s more thrilling battles without the controversial close.
