The latest UFC event in Seattle has just concluded, providing many talking points worth revisiting as we assess the direction of the victors and vanquished from the 12-bout card. Eight fights yielded a decisive outcome, with seven of those occurring during the card’s preliminary phase. UFC’s President Dana White jokingly called this a ‘jinx,’ suggesting a correlation between thrilling prelims and disappointing main events – a trend noted more than once this year. However, the Seattle main event debunked this theory, despite a peculiar culmination to the main bout between ex- two-division titlist, Henry Cejudo, and Song Yadong, a top-ten contender.
Notwithstanding the unusual ending to his duel with Cejudo, Yadong demonstrated his credentials to stay at the top level of the UFC bantamweight category. His superior striking capability, most noticeably his leg kicks aimed at neutralizing Cejudo’s formidable grappling ability, was impressive. Although he didn’t achieve the spectacular victory or ‘retire’ Cejudo as he stated in his pre-match comments, he deserves recognition for his biggest win in both the UFC and his MMA career thus far.
“My objective is to clinch the world title, so whatever opportunities come my way, I am prepared to face a competitor ranked higher than me if it isn’t Henry, like O’Malley. I am ready for a fight with O’Malley at any moment,” proclaimed Yadong at the post-battle press meet. The next move is to see if the UFC can fulfill such a request.
Yadong, with a career record of (22-8 MMA, 11-3-1 UFC), has emerged victorious in two out of his last three bouts, extending Cejudo’s streak of losses to three. Cejudo, with a record of (16-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC), expressed interest in a rematch against Yadong, although different possibilities might be under consideration for both.
The Climate Pledge Arena was treated to a stellar event from start to finish. White confessed how much he missed the experience of Seattle, and to a greater extent, touring the Western US beyond usual destinations like Las Vegas, Arizona, or California. The more UFC Fight Night events can be held in different locations, the better it would be for the interests of the sport.
Several evidence points towards this, especially if one considers the live gate and attendance figures. With 42 events held annually, visits to cities not typically on the UFC circuit (like Seattle, or Des Moines in May), signal a move towards normalcy after the pandemic, despite the convenience provided by the UFC APEX for most Fight Night occurrences.
On the other hand, it’s obvious that the organization has been listening to the fans and plans to regularly visit new destinations, or return to previous locations that haven’t been utilized much recently.
Cejudo’s defeat to Yadong was a major setback in his much-awaited return bout. The former champ and Olympic freestyle wrestling gold medallist will have to find a way to grapple with this loss for some time. Regardless, Cejudo was confident in his ability to compete at the highest level, irrespective of the weight category, post-match.
Nevertheless, Cejudo has a burning desire to bring closure to his story with Yadong, despite any reservations White may harbor. “I need to put this out there. Dana White, you might not be enthusiastic about a rematch, but let’s give this another shot,” part of Cejudo’s post-match statement read.
“We still had two rounds left, both of us were getting into our rhythm, both of us were damaged, and we were fully engaged. I believe we should do this again. Dana, I respect you and hope we can schedule another match with Song, and do it soon… I think we should do this again.”
However, life, and MMA for that matter, offer no certain outcomes. White is known to be resolute, and as such, Cejudo should not get his hopes up about a repeat clash unless he can make a compelling case.