UFC Seattle: Henry Cejudo vs. Song Yadong Shatters Records in Seattle

The UFC’s return to Seattle after a decade-long absence proved to be a monumental success, breaking records and setting new benchmarks for the promotion’s Fight Night events. As reported by renowned MMA journalist Aaron Bronsteter, UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Song, held at the Climate Pledge Arena on February 22, 2025, achieved unprecedented financial and attendance milestones.

UFC Seattle was incredible! @danawhite don’t wait another 10 years to come back! pic.twitter.com/HIesCtSPQS

— Kody Granger (@kokogrange) February 23, 2025

Record-Breaking Gate

The event generated a staggering $3.84 million gate, marking the largest gate for a UFC Fight Night event in North America. This figure not only surpasses previous Fight Night records but also rivals the gate receipts of some pay-per-view events. The substantial revenue demonstrates the immense drawing power of the card’s headliners and the pent-up demand for live UFC action in the Seattle market.

#UFCSeattle

Gate: $3.84 million (largest gate for UFC Fight Night in North America)

Attendance: 18,287 (sold out)

— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) February 23, 2025

The record-breaking gate is a testament to the UFC’s strategic matchmaking and the star power of former two-division champion Henry Cejudo and rising bantamweight contender Song Yadong. Despite the main event ending in controversy due to an accidental eye poke, the financial success of the event cannot be understated.

Sellout Crowd

Equally impressive was the attendance figure, with 18,287 fans packing the Climate Pledge Arena to capacity. The sellout crowd created an electric atmosphere that undoubtedly contributed to the night’s thrilling performances. This turnout not only speaks to the popularity of MMA in the Pacific Northwest but also highlights the UFC’s ability to draw massive crowds even for non PPV events.

He’s becoming a fan favorite 🤩

Jean Silva was DOMINANT last night at #UFCSeattle! pic.twitter.com/oalgzEWlNG

— UFC (@ufc) February 23, 2025

The full house in Seattle serves as a strong indicator that the market is ripe for more frequent UFC visits. With such a passionate fanbase, it’s likely that the promotion will consider returning to the Emerald City sooner rather than later.

The success of UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Song extends beyond just the main event. The card featured a mix of established veterans and rising prospects, delivering a night of action-packed fights that justified the record-breaking numbers. Notable performances included Anthony Hernandez’s dominant victory over Brendan Allen in the co-main event and Jean Silva’s spectacular first-round TKO of Melsik Baghdasaryan.

These impressive figures come at a time when the UFC continues to expand its global footprint and solidify its position as the premier MMA organization. The ability to generate such significant revenue and attendance for a Fight Night event underscores the promotion’s growing mainstream appeal and the sport’s increasing popularity.

The record-setting night in Seattle also sets a new bar for future Fight Night events. It challenges other markets to match or exceed the enthusiasm and financial success demonstrated by the Seattle fans. This could potentially lead to more competitive bidding among cities vying to host UFC events, ultimately benefiting both the promotion and fight fans across North America.

As the UFC continues to evolve and grow, nights like this serve as milestones that reflect the sport’s trajectory. The combination of a record-breaking gate and a sellout crowd not only validates the UFC’s business model but also reinforces the passionate connection between the promotion and its fanbase.

While the in-ring action may have ended with some controversy, there’s no disputing the event’s success from a business standpoint. UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Song will be remembered not just for its fights, but for setting a new standard in what a non-pay-per-view event can achieve. As the dust settles on this historic night in Seattle, the MMA world eagerly anticipates what records the UFC might break next.