Henry Cejudo eye poke explained: Why was UFC Seattle main event not called ‘No Contest’?
The bantamweight main event bout between UFC veteran Henry Cejudo and Song Yadong finds a controversial end at UFC Seattle.
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Song Yadong beats Henry Cejudo at UFC Seattle (via X)
Former UFC two-time champion Henry Cejudo had a lot of expectations coming into the main event of UFC Seattle. The American fighter took on top bantamweight Song Yadong in the main event and lost the bout via technical decision. However, the much-anticipated fight was far from being clean and filled with controversial moments.
From the beginning of the fight, both Cejudo and Yadong were cautious and kept their distance between each other. While ‘Triple C’ was trying to level change with various feints, the Chinese national found more success with leg kicks. The former was able to connect a few punches, but the retaliation from the ‘Kung Fu kid’ was effective as well.
Both fighters were able to land big punches as the fight went deep. However, it looked like Yadong was able to outland the former champion in all three rounds. Though, it was clear that Cejudo’s shots were heavier and had more damage.
Controversial moments in the third round of Henry Cejudo vs. Song Yadong
In the third round, during an exchange, an accidental blow by Song Yadong momentarily stopped the action. As the fight restarts, Henry Cejudo lands another massive left hand, but ends up getting his eye poked. The fight was again stopped by the referee who gave five minutes for the Olympic wrestling champion to recover.
Cejodo was in great pain and was adamant about asking referee Jason Herzog for a point reduction from Yadong’s scorecard. However, the experienced yet controversial ref didn’t think it was necessary. The fight was again restarted, and Yadong continued to maintain the pressure to the end.
Very weird ending to Henry Cejudo vs Song Yadong
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 23, 2025
Henry Cejudo couldn't see clearly after an eye poke, and Song Yadong wins via. technical decision #UFCSeattlepic.twitter.com/SbSHeUuXwy
After the end of round three, Cejudo told his corner that he couldn’t see anything in his left eye. Herzog tried to start the fourth round. However, before that called the octagon side doctor to check Cejudo’s eyesight. After the doctor’s intervention, the fight was called off, but wasn’t declared a no-contest.
UFC Seattle crowd didn’t like the decision and fighters want a rematch
The controversial scorecards suggested 29-28 in favor of Song Yadong with no point deduction throughout the fight. As the result was announced, the Seattle crowd made sure to share their annoyance. As the boos went loud, Yadong suggested a potential rematch with the legend.
‘Triple C’ couldn’t see from his left eye even after the fight also agreed to the rematch. However, this is definitely not the result the legend would have expected. Since coming back from his retirement, Cejudo has now lost three fights in a row. From getting humiliated by Merab Dvalishvili to controversial endings like this, fans now want the fighter to retire.
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Ameetosh Dash
(1034 Articles Published)