UFC Seattle: Henry Cejudo Falls to Song Yadong in Controversial Technical Decision, What’s Next for ‘Triple C’?

In a highly anticipated bantamweight clash at UFC Seattle, Henry Cejudo suffered a controversial technical decision loss to Song Yadong. The main event, which took place at the Climate Pledge Arena on February 22, 2025, came to an abrupt end after the third round due to an accidental eye poke that left Cejudo unable to continue.

Cejudo-Song was stopped after the fourth round continued and was taken into decision after the three rounds due to eye pokes that rendered Cejudo unable to continue.

Song Yadong won by technical decision. #UFCSeattle pic.twitter.com/TzsouoAo6m

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) February 23, 2025

Song dominated the early exchanges, showcasing his superior speed and precision striking. He effectively neutralized Cejudo’s wrestling attempts, keeping the fight standing where he held a clear advantage. As the bout progressed, Cejudo found some success with his strikes, but Song’s output remained higher throughout.

The turning point came late in the third round when Song accidentally poked Cejudo in the eye while defending against an incoming attack. After taking the full five-minute recovery period, Cejudo opted to continue fighting. However, as soon as the fourth round began, it became clear that Cejudo’s vision was severely compromised, forcing referee Jason Herzog to call an end to the contest.

With three rounds completed, the fight went to the scorecards, resulting in a technical decision. All three judges scored the bout in Song’s favor (30-27, 29-28, 29-28), handing Cejudo his third consecutive loss since returning from retirement[1][2]. The former two-division champion expressed his disappointment with the outcome, stating on social media that he did not lose the fight and calling for an immediate rematch[4].

Despite UFC CEO Dana White’s lack of interest in a rematch, Cejudo’s future in the bantamweight division remains uncertain. Here are three potential matchups for the Olympic gold medalist:

Rob Font

A matchup with Rob Font could provide Cejudo with an opportunity to get back into the win column against a ranked opponent. Font, known for his striking prowess, would present an interesting stylistic challenge for Cejudo. This bout could serve as a litmus test to determine if Cejudo can still compete at the highest level of the division. A win over Font would potentially put Cejudo back in contention for top-five opponents.

Sean O’Malley

Following UFC CEO Dana White’s statement that he’s “not at all” interested in a rematch between Song and Cejudo, a bout against former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley could be an intriguing option. O’Malley’s striking prowess combined with Cejudo’s well-rounded skillset could produce a thrilling stand-up battle that fans would eagerly anticipate. This high-profile matchup would give Cejudo a chance to prove he still belongs among the elite of the division and potentially put him back in the title picture.

Retirement Bout

Given Cejudo’s recent struggles and the toll of his long career, a retirement bout could be a fitting end to his illustrious career. A matchup against a fellow veteran or a rising prospect could provide Cejudo with an opportunity to showcase his skills one last time and potentially go out on a high note. This option would allow Cejudo to cement his legacy as one of the greatest combat sports athletes of all time, regardless of the outcome.

As Cejudo contemplates his next move, it’s clear that his position in the bantamweight division has become precarious. The technical decision loss to Song Yadong marks his third consecutive defeat since returning from retirement, raising questions about his ability to compete at the highest level of the sport. However, Cejudo’s Olympic pedigree and previous accomplishments in the UFC still make him a valuable name in the division.

Whether Cejudo chooses to continue fighting or hang up his gloves, his impact on the sport of mixed martial arts is undeniable. As a former two-division champion and one of only four fighters to hold UFC titles in two weight classes simultaneously, Cejudo’s legacy is secure. The coming weeks will likely provide clarity on his future in the sport, as fans and pundits alike eagerly await his next move in the ever-evolving landscape of the UFC’s bantamweight division.