A highly anticipated bantamweight matchup between Song Yadong and Henry Cejudo ended in controversy on Saturday, with Yadong emerging victorious by technical decision after the third round was stopped due to an accidental eye poke. The fight, which saw both fighters exchange blows, left many wondering if a rematch is already on the horizon.
Yadong, 22-8-1, dominated early rounds but allowed Cejudo, 16-5, to mount a comeback in the second. However, the outcome was reversed when Cejudo couldn’t see after being poked in the eye, prompting the referee to stop the fight. All three judges scored the bout in Yadong’s favor, awarding him scores of 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28.
Despite the loss, Cejudo expressed interest in a rematch, stating he couldn’t see out of his left eye after the incident. The former two-weight champion also clarified that retirement is not on his mind, leaving the door open for a potential rematch.
The fight was a closely contested affair, with both fighters showcasing their skills. Yadong’s speed and striking proved to be too much for Cejudo at times, while the latter’s jabs and straight left hands kept him in the mix. The technical decision victory marks a significant win for Yadong, who now ranks No. 8 in the bantamweight division.
Cejudo, 38, had been out of action for over a year but returned to competition on Saturday, seeking revenge against his younger foe. Despite being outlanded in total strikes, Cejudo’s experience and wrestling background made him a formidable opponent. The loss marks a setback for Cejudo, who remains ranked No. 7 in the bantamweight division.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/43975874/song-yadong-tops-henry-cejudo-points-ufc-main-event